Est. Earnings (1yr)
$56,081
Est. from CT median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from CT median (5 programs)

Analysis

Connecticut's finance programs cluster into two clear tiers: the UConn system delivers $67,000 in first-year earnings across its campuses, while comparable programs at similar institutions suggest University of Bridgeport graduates start around $56,000—roughly $11,000 below that benchmark. With over half the student body receiving Pell grants, this gap matters considerably for families counting on immediate financial returns.

The estimated $27,000 debt load translates to a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, which falls within reasonable territory for a business degree. Monthly loan payments would consume roughly 6-7% of gross income—manageable but not trivial, especially in Connecticut's high cost-of-living environment. The challenge isn't the debt itself but whether the earnings justify passing up either UConn's stronger outcomes or lower-cost state alternatives. Similar programs nationally produce median earnings of $53,590, so these estimates suggest performance near the middle of the pack rather than strong differentiation.

For families weighing this investment, the question centers on access versus outcomes. If UConn isn't an option and private education provides better support structures, this program won't cripple finances. But if choosing between this and a state school with comparable estimated returns and lower sticker prices, the math becomes harder to justify—particularly when the state's top-performing finance programs demonstrate significantly stronger earning potential within the same geographic market.

Where University of Bridgeport Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of BridgeportBridgeport$35,760$56,081*$27,000*
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford$17,472$67,009*$87,592$20,399*0.30
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$67,009*$87,592$20,399*0.30
University of ConnecticutStorrs$20,366$67,009*$87,592$20,399*0.30
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton$17,462$67,009*$87,592$20,399*0.30
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford$17,452$67,009*$87,592$20,399*0.30
National Median$53,590*$23,332*0.44
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
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 Bridgeport, approximately 52% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.