Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,704
5th percentile
40th percentile in Louisiana
Median Debt
$15,438
34% below national median

Analysis

Southeastern Louisiana's finance program sits right at Louisiana's median for first-year earnings ($40,704 vs. $42,018 statewide), though the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could shift significantly year to year. The real story here is the debt burden: at $15,438, graduates leave with roughly $6,000 less debt than the Louisiana median and nearly $8,000 less than the national average. That low debt matters because first-year earnings lag considerably behind both state and national benchmarks.

The 56% earnings jump by year four—reaching $63,542—suggests graduates find their footing after that initial period. This eventual trajectory actually outpaces what LSU grads earn ($54,408 one year out) and exceeds Louisiana Tech's outcomes. Whether that growth pattern holds with larger cohorts remains uncertain, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 gives graduates breathing room that many finance majors at pricier programs don't get.

For families prioritizing minimal debt over immediate earnings, this program delivers value, especially if your student plans to stay in Louisiana where these outcomes are competitive. Just recognize you're evaluating thin data—actual results for your student could vary more than usual. The low debt provides downside protection that becomes particularly valuable given that uncertainty.

Where Southeastern Louisiana University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Southeastern Louisiana University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Southeastern Louisiana University$40,704$63,542+56%
Tulane University of Louisiana$77,806$89,537+15%
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$54,408$71,935+32%
Louisiana Tech University$42,018$62,932+50%
University of Louisiana at Lafayette$40,495$46,582+15%

Compare to Similar Programs in Louisiana

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (13 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southeastern Louisiana UniversityHammond$8,373$40,704$63,542$15,4380.38
Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans$65,538$77,806$89,537$21,5000.28
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge$11,954$54,408$71,935$19,5000.36
McNeese State UniversityLake Charles$8,460$49,216$42,641$27,8600.57
Louisiana Tech UniversityRuston$10,125$42,018$62,932$17,5000.42
University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette$10,418$40,495$46,582$26,4000.65
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 Southeastern Louisiana University, approximately 33% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.