Finance and Financial Management Services at Sacred Heart University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Sacred Heart's finance graduates start near the middle of the pack but show impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 34% to nearly $75,000 by year four. That $56,000 starting salary matches Connecticut's median for finance programs, though it trails UConn's $67,000 by a noticeable margin. Still, the strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates are finding their footing quickly in Connecticut's competitive financial services market.
The debt picture is notably favorable—$27,000 sits below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that makes the degree manageable from day one. Ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt means 95% of finance programs saddle students with more loans. Given Connecticut's high cost of living, keeping debt this controlled matters.
The core question is whether you're comfortable with a middle-tier starting point in exchange for reasonable debt and solid growth potential. Sacred Heart isn't competing with UConn's immediate earning power, but the combination of controlled borrowing and steady salary progression makes this a practical choice for students who need to enter the workforce without overwhelming debt. If your child is targeting investment banking or top-tier finance roles, the higher-earning Connecticut programs might justify their likely higher costs—but for mainstream finance careers, Sacred Heart delivers value through its debt management.
Where Sacred Heart University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Sacred Heart University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Sacred Heart University graduates earn $56k, placing them in the 60th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (16 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacred Heart University | $56,081 | $74,953 | $27,000 | 0.48 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $67,009 | $87,592 | $20,399 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford | $17,472 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton | $17,462 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut Storrs | $20,366 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury | $17,462 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $67,009 | $20,399 |
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 Sacred Heart University, approximately 15% 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 88 graduates with reported earnings and 108 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.