Location: Marshall, MN•In-State Tuition: $10,304•Admission Rate: 69%•Avg SAT: 1020
Median Earnings (1yr)
$47,734
21st percentile
40th percentile in Minnesota
Median Debt
$22,900
2% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.48 ManageableSample: 23 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Southwest Minnesota State's finance program lands solidly in the middle of Minnesota's competitive finance landscape—ranking at the 40th percentile statewide—while keeping debt manageable at $22,900. Starting salaries of $47,734 trail state and national medians by about $5,000, but students aren't paying a premium for this regional option. The 22% earnings growth to $58,124 by year four suggests graduates find their footing in the job market, though they still lag behind peers from the state's top programs by $10,000 or more.

The debt picture deserves attention: while the absolute amount is reasonable, the real concern is that first-year salaries barely cover twice the debt load. For context, Minnesota's median finance graduate starts at $52,188—meaning Southwest Minnesota State graduates face a tougher financial position right out of the gate. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly in either direction.

For families choosing between Southwest Minnesota State and pricier Twin Cities options, this comes down to total cost. If the net price after scholarships makes this substantially cheaper than alternatives, the slower career start might be worth it. But if costs are comparable, the state's stronger programs offer materially better earning potential from day one.

Where Southwest Minnesota State University Stands

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

Southwest Minnesota State UniversityOther finance and financial management services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Southwest Minnesota State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Southwest Minnesota State University earns $48k — 21th percentile among finance and financial management services bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Southwest Minnesota State University$47,734$58,124+22%
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities$69,094$87,799+27%
University of St Thomas$66,006$81,390+23%
University of Minnesota-Duluth$51,953$71,475+38%
Winona State University$52,188$70,992+36%

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall$10,304$47,734$58,124$22,9000.48
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis$16,488$69,094$87,799$21,5000.31
University of St ThomasSaint Paul$52,284$66,006$81,390$26,2500.40
Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis$43,942$63,598$64,401$27,0000.42
Concordia College at MoorheadMoorhead$30,020$59,104———
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaWinona$43,160$58,451—$27,0000.46
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 Southwest Minnesota State University, approximately 11% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.