Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Saint Louis University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$60,055

75th percentile

60th percentile in Missouri

Median Debt

$21,268

9% below national median

Analysis

Saint Louis University's finance program places graduates in the upper half of Missouri programs while keeping debt manageable—a solid combination for a school with an 81% admission rate. First-year earnings of $60,055 land near the national 75th percentile and comfortably above Missouri's median of $49,785. Among the state's 21 finance programs, only Washington University (at $102k) and Columbia College significantly outperform it, suggesting SLU strikes a reasonable balance between prestige and practical outcomes.

The debt picture reinforces this value story. At $21,268, graduates carry slightly less than both state and national medians, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35—meaning roughly four months of gross salary covers the typical loan balance. That's manageable by any standard, especially for finance majors who can expect meaningful salary growth as they build experience. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers represent real outcomes, not statistical noise.

For families weighing SLU against cheaper in-state options like Missouri State or UCM, the earnings premium is substantial—about $10,000 more in year one—without proportionally higher debt. If you're already considering a private Jesuit university for the campus experience, this finance program delivers competitive career results without the financial strain that often accompanies private education.

Where Saint Louis University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Saint Louis University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (21 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$60,055	—	$21,268	0.35
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis	$62,982	$102,814	$152,625	$19,250	0.19
Columbia CollegeColumbia	$24,326	$56,104	$55,909	$18,980	0.34
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield	$9,024	$50,486	$68,206	$24,750	0.49
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg	$9,739	$49,785	$54,933	$22,989	0.46
Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph	$9,800	$47,265	—	$21,361	0.45
National Median	—	$53,590	—	$23,332	0.44

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 Saint Louis 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 60 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.