Finance and Financial Management Services at Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier University's finance program starts students at a notably low salary—about $46,000 in the first year, which ranks in just the 17th percentile nationally and 40th percentile among Illinois finance programs. That's roughly $15,000 below what graduates from nearby DePaul or Loyola earn right out of the gate. However, the trajectory tells a more interesting story: earnings jump 55% to $72,000 by year four, suggesting graduates either take entry-level positions that lead somewhere meaningful or successfully pivot early in their careers.

The debt load of $23,326 is manageable and right at the national median, translating to a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50—not alarming given the subsequent earnings growth. With 56% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves a population that may not have extensive professional networks or immediate access to high-paying finance positions in Chicago's competitive market. The question for parents is whether their student can weather those lean first few years while building the experience needed to reach more typical finance salaries.

This program makes the most sense for cost-conscious families who value Saint Xavier's demonstrated track record of income mobility over immediate prestige. Just understand that your child will likely start behind peers from higher-ranked Illinois schools and will need persistence to catch up.