Finance and Financial Management Services at St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University finance graduates start below both state and national medians but experience something noteworthy: their earnings jump 57% by year four, reaching $75,162. That trajectory matters more than the initial $48,018 figure might suggest. Among Texas finance programs, this ranks near the middle (40th percentile), but the growth pattern outpaces what you'd typically see—most programs don't deliver that kind of earnings acceleration.

The debt picture is reasonable at $25,257, translating to a 0.53 ratio against first-year earnings. That's manageable even during the slower-earning early years. However, parents should understand the context: St. Mary's serves a different population than UT Austin or SMU, with 42% of students on Pell grants and an 89% admission rate. The lower starting salaries likely reflect different career entry points rather than program weakness—think regional banks and credit unions versus major investment firms.

The practical takeaway: This program requires patience. Your child will likely earn less than peers at flagship schools initially, but the steep growth curve suggests solid skill development and career progression. If they're willing to grind through those first few years while peers at higher-ranked programs start stronger, the gap narrows considerably. Just don't expect the elite finance outcomes that top Texas programs deliver right out of the gate.