Analysis
Saint Joseph's produces insurance graduates who outearn 92% of similar programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $66,523—nearly $11,000 above the national median. That's elite performance for a field that typically starts strong but doesn't always require a prestigious degree. The $23,016 in debt translates to a ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates owe roughly four months' salary—manageable by any standard. Earnings climb to $78,262 by year four, showing the industry rewards experience and professional development.
However, the Pennsylvania context reveals something interesting. Despite ranking in the 92nd percentile nationally, this program sits right at the state median for insurance programs. Pennsylvania simply runs hot for this field—Temple produces nearly identical outcomes, and even the median PA insurance grad matches Saint Joseph's performance. You're paying for solid results in a competitive state market, not a distinctive advantage over in-state alternatives.
The bottom line: Your child will likely do well financially with this degree, but Saint Joseph's doesn't justify a significant price premium over other Pennsylvania options. If net cost is comparable to Temple or other state schools, the strong earnings and low debt make this a safe bet. If you're paying substantially more for the Jesuit education or campus experience, just know the career outcomes won't necessarily reflect that investment—the insurance industry cares more about credentials and hustle than where the degree came from.
Where Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $66,523 | $78,262 | +18% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $78,796 | $96,327 | +22% |
| St. John's University-New York | $70,752 | $85,642 | +21% |
| Temple University | $66,080 | $78,623 | +19% |
| Florida State University | $61,071 | $78,449 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Insurance bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $51,340 | $66,523 | $78,262 | $23,016 | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080 | $78,623 | $26,000 | 0.39 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819 | — | $22,728 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia, approximately 18% 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 75 graduates with reported earnings and 77 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.