Analysis
A finance degree from University of Mary appears to track closely with what similar programs produce across North Dakotaβestimated first-year earnings around $49,785βbut falls about $4,000 short of the national median for finance bachelor's degrees. With estimated debt of $25,812, graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary, a manageable ratio that suggests they could reasonably handle repayment if they land typical finance roles.
The challenge is the ceiling. North Dakota State's finance graduates reportedly earn $53,163 in their first year, demonstrating that stronger outcomes exist within the state. Meanwhile, the national 75th percentile sits at $60,032, showing that top-performing finance programs elsewhere deliver substantially more earning power. For a field where career advancement often depends on your employer's resources and your professional network, starting in North Dakota's smaller market could limit long-term trajectory compared to finance hubs.
The bottom line: this program looks financially sound for a student planning to work in North Dakota's banking or corporate finance sector, where the debt load won't overwhelm early earnings. But if your child has ambitions for investment banking, wealth management, or corporate finance in larger markets, comparing this estimated outcome to programs with reported data in those regions would be essential before committing.
Where University of Mary Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Dakota
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Dakota (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,468 | $49,785* | β | $25,812* | β | |
| $10,857 | $53,163* | $62,889 | $25,542* | 0.48 | |
| $10,951 | $49,785* | $56,582 | $24,093* | 0.48 | |
| $12,715 | $47,744* | $63,775 | $31,000* | 0.65 | |
| 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 Mary, approximately 18% 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 3 similar programs in ND. Actual outcomes may vary.