Finance and Financial Management Services at Syracuse University

Syracuse's Whitman School of Business delivers exceptional results for finance majors, with first-year earnings of $72,819 placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among New York programs—well above the state median of $51,244. That $21,000 premium over typical New York finance graduates represents real market differentiation, likely reflecting Syracuse's extensive alumni network and strong Wall Street recruiting pipelines. The 25% earnings growth to $91,086 by year four shows graduates aren't just landing good first jobs—they're building careers with momentum.

The $27,000 debt load is notably reasonable for a private university program, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning graduates earn back their full debt in just over four months of work. This positions Syracuse as a surprisingly efficient investment despite private school tuition, especially when compared to other New York finance programs where students often pay more for significantly weaker outcomes. Only Fordham and Binghamton produce higher earnings among state competitors.

For families who can manage the upfront cost of Syracuse's tuition (or secure adequate financial aid), this program offers clear value: top-tier earnings, manageable debt, and trajectory into competitive finance roles. The combination of strong starting salaries and healthy growth suggests graduates are accessing quality opportunities, not just any finance job.