Finance and Financial Management Services at Temple University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Temple University's finance program offers solid returns with manageable debt, making it a practical choice for families seeking value in business education. Starting salaries of $58,807 outperform the national median by nearly $5,000, and graduates see healthy 20% earnings growth over four years. With debt of just $26,000—well below the national average—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 means graduates can reasonably expect to service their loans without financial strain.
Within Pennsylvania's competitive finance landscape, Temple holds its own at the 60th percentile, though it trails elite programs like Penn and Villanova by significant margins. The program ranks in the 70th percentile nationally, positioning it as an above-average choice among the 749 schools offering finance degrees. For context, Temple graduates earn about $1,000 more than the typical Pennsylvania finance graduate while carrying the same debt load.
The combination of accessible admissions (83% acceptance rate) and strong job market outcomes creates an appealing value equation. Temple delivers dependable career preparation without the crushing debt burden that often accompanies business programs at more prestigious institutions. For families prioritizing practical financial outcomes over prestige, this program offers a clear path to a stable finance career with reasonable educational investment.
Where Temple University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Temple University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Temple University graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 70th percentile of all finance and financial management services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | $58,807 | $70,603 | $26,000 | 0.44 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $122,698 | $206,646 | $12,865 | 0.10 |
| Villanova University | $82,008 | $110,166 | $26,197 | 0.32 |
| Lehigh University | $76,720 | $107,260 | $23,250 | 0.30 |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $66,072 | $85,648 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
| Widener University | $62,672 | — | $26,980 | 0.43 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia | $66,104 | $122,698 | $12,865 |
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $82,008 | $26,197 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $76,720 | $23,250 |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Philadelphia | $51,340 | $66,072 | $25,000 |
| Widener University Chester | $53,638 | $62,672 | $26,980 |
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 Temple University, approximately 30% 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 436 graduates with reported earnings and 440 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.