Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Arizona
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Arizona finance graduates earn $66,427 in their first year—landing them in the 91st percentile nationally but only the 60th percentile among Arizona programs. That contrast matters: while U of A significantly outperforms most finance programs across the country, it trails University of Phoenix-Arizona's $70,963 within the state. The $20,628 median debt sits right at Arizona's median and below the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 that beats typical borrowing-to-income standards.
What makes this program particularly attractive is the earnings trajectory. Graduates see a 27% jump to $84,392 by year four, suggesting strong career progression in finance roles. Combined with the reasonable debt load, this creates a solid financial foundation for mid-career growth. The 86% admission rate makes this outcome accessible to a broad range of students, not just those with top test scores.
For families weighing Arizona options, U of A delivers strong national standing with practical in-state value. While not the absolute highest earner in Arizona, the combination of above-average starting salaries, manageable debt, and proven income growth makes this a reliable choice for students serious about finance careers. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) means these numbers reflect consistent outcomes, not statistical noise.
Where University of Arizona 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 University of Arizona graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Arizona graduates earn $66k, placing them in the 91th 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 Arizona
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arizona | $66,427 | $84,392 | $20,628 | 0.31 |
| University of Phoenix-Arizona | $70,963 | $59,017 | $48,469 | 0.68 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion | $63,054 | $75,397 | $18,000 | 0.29 |
| Northern Arizona University | $53,962 | $62,091 | $20,594 | 0.38 |
| Grand Canyon University | $53,853 | $71,406 | $27,000 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $53,590 | — | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Arizona
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arizona schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix-Arizona Phoenix | $9,552 | $70,963 | $48,469 |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe | $12,051 | $63,054 | $18,000 |
| Northern Arizona University Flagstaff | $12,652 | $53,962 | $20,594 |
| Grand Canyon University Phoenix | $17,450 | $53,853 | $27,000 |
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 University of Arizona, approximately 26% 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 152 graduates with reported earnings and 142 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.