Median Earnings (1yr)
$57,884
67th percentile
60th percentile in Kansas
Median Debt
$20,354
13% below national median

Analysis

University of Kansas finance graduates start at $57,884β€”about $8,000 ahead of the typical Kansas finance grad and $4,300 above the national median. That's a meaningful edge in a state where most programs cluster in the high-$40K range. Only Benedictine College posts slightly higher first-year earnings among Kansas schools, and KU's graduates see steady growth to $66,001 by year four, a 14% increase that suggests the degree opens doors to career progression.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $20,354, graduates owe about $3,000 less than both state and national averages for finance programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means most graduates could realistically pay off their loans within a year or two of focused repaymentβ€”a comfortable position that leaves room for other financial goals early in their careers.

For Kansas families, KU represents the strongest value in public finance education. The combination of above-average starting salaries, below-average debt, and solid earnings trajectory makes this a straightforward choice if your student wants to stay in-state. The 88% admission rate means it's accessible to most applicants, though the program clearly delivers returns that exceed what you'd expect from a highly selective school.

Where University of Kansas Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Kansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Kansas$57,884$66,001+14%
Rasmussen University-Kansas$47,744$63,775+34%
Kansas State University$54,509$63,146+16%
Washburn University$49,500$59,834+21%
Pittsburg State University$50,450$56,556+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$57,884$66,001$20,3540.35
Benedictine CollegeAtchison$34,800$58,821β€”$26,9590.46
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$54,509$63,146$24,9900.46
Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg$8,008$50,450$56,556$21,8750.43
Washburn UniversityTopeka$9,578$49,500$59,834$21,1360.43
Wichita State UniversityWichita$9,322$49,302$53,326$26,0000.53
National Medianβ€”$53,590β€”$23,3320.44

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 Kansas, approximately 20% 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 134 graduates with reported earnings and 148 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.