Analysis
Stetson's finance graduates see steady career momentum, with earnings jumping 26% from $55,161 to $69,299 within four yearsβa trajectory that suggests the program opens doors to progressively better opportunities. Among Florida's 30 finance programs, this places at the 60th percentile, outperforming the state median by $3,500 in first-year earnings and continuing to pull ahead over time. The $24,671 in typical debt sits slightly above Florida's median but translates to a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates need less than half their first year's salary to cover what they borrowed.
The numbers become more impressive when you consider Florida's competitive finance landscape. While Stetson doesn't match the $70,000+ starting salaries at UF or Miami, it delivers similar outcomes to much larger state universities like UCF and FGCUβbut with notably stronger four-year earnings growth. This pattern suggests Stetson graduates build valuable networks and skills that compound over time, even if they don't immediately land at top-tier firms.
For a selective-access private school serving a significant population of Pell grant recipients, this represents solid value. Your child would graduate with reasonable debt, competitive starting prospects, and clear upward momentum in a field where relationship-building and early career development matter as much as the name on the diploma.
Where Stetson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Stetson University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stetson University | $55,161 | $69,299 | +26% |
| University of Miami | $70,352 | $89,692 | +27% |
| University of Florida | $70,663 | $83,279 | +18% |
| The University of Tampa | $51,845 | $76,735 | +48% |
| Florida State University | $56,516 | $75,328 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $55,220 | $55,161 | $69,299 | $24,671 | 0.45 | |
| $6,381 | $70,663 | $83,279 | $17,954 | 0.25 | |
| $59,926 | $70,352 | $89,692 | $14,500 | 0.21 | |
| $5,656 | $56,516 | $75,328 | $18,162 | 0.32 | |
| $6,368 | $56,415 | $66,928 | $18,843 | 0.33 | |
| $6,118 | $55,882 | $70,927 | $21,239 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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 Stetson University, approximately 35% 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 69 graduates with reported earnings and 72 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.