Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,486
39th percentile
40th percentile in New Jersey
Median Debt
$24,000
3% above national median

Analysis

Rowan's finance program starts below the middle of the pack but delivers something more important: strong earnings growth. While the $51,486 starting salary lands just below both state and national medians, graduates see their income jump 40% to $72,102 by year four—outpacing the typical trajectory and suggesting the program effectively prepares students for career advancement rather than just entry-level placement.

The $24,000 debt load is remarkably manageable, translating to a 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room early in their careers. This becomes particularly relevant when you consider Rowan's 78% admission rate and reasonable SAT requirements—students who might not gain admission to Rutgers (where finance grads earn $68,338 initially) can access solid outcomes without taking on significantly more debt. The gap to top NJ programs shrinks considerably by year four as Rowan graduates move up.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, Rowan represents a practical path into finance. You're not paying for prestige, and the first year might feel modest compared to peers at more selective schools. But the combination of affordable debt and strong mid-career momentum means your graduate should be financially stable and positioned for continued growth in New Jersey's finance sector.

Where Rowan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Rowan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Rowan University$51,486$72,102+40%
Rutgers University-New Brunswick$68,338$86,111+26%
Rutgers University-Newark$68,338$86,111+26%
Rutgers University-Camden$68,338$86,111+26%
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus$52,729$76,708+45%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Rowan UniversityGlassboro$15,700$51,486$72,102$24,0000.47
Rutgers University-CamdenCamden$17,079$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick$17,239$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark$16,586$68,338$86,111$22,5000.33
Seton Hall UniversitySouth Orange$51,370$64,233$76,566$22,8080.36
Rider UniversityLawrenceville$38,900$57,881$69,827$27,0000.47
National Median$53,590$23,3320.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Rowan University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 190 graduates with reported earnings and 193 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.