Analysis
University of Kansas finance graduates start at $57,884βabout $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 repaymentβa 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,700 | $57,884 | $66,001 | $20,354 | 0.35 | |
| $34,800 | $58,821 | β | $26,959 | 0.46 | |
| $10,942 | $54,509 | $63,146 | $24,990 | 0.46 | |
| $8,008 | $50,450 | $56,556 | $21,875 | 0.43 | |
| $9,578 | $49,500 | $59,834 | $21,136 | 0.43 | |
| $9,322 | $49,302 | $53,326 | $26,000 | 0.53 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $23,332 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
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.