Median Earnings (1yr)
$57,884
67th percentile (60th in KS)
Median Debt
$20,354
13% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
134
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Kansas finance graduates start at $57,884—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 repayment—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

University of KansasOther finance and financial management services programs

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 Kansas graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Kansas graduates earn $58k, placing them in the 67th 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 Kansas

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Kansas$57,884$66,001$20,3540.35
Benedictine College$58,821—$26,9590.46
Kansas State University$54,509$63,146$24,9900.46
Pittsburg State University$50,450$56,556$21,8750.43
Washburn University$49,500$59,834$21,1360.43
Wichita State University$49,302$53,326$26,0000.53
National Median$53,590—$23,3320.44

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in Kansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Benedictine College
Atchison
$34,800$58,821$26,959
Kansas State University
Manhattan
$10,942$54,509$24,990
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg
$8,008$50,450$21,875
Washburn University
Topeka
$9,578$49,500$21,136
Wichita State University
Wichita
$9,322$49,302$26,000

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 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.