Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Minnesota-Duluth

UMN-Duluth's finance program starts modestly but demonstrates impressive momentum that shouldn't be overlooked. While first-year earnings of $52K land near both state and national medians (40th percentile in Minnesota), graduates see a 38% jump to $71K by year four—substantially outpacing the typical trajectory for this major. That acceleration suggests graduates are accessing genuine career progression, not just cost-of-living adjustments.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $23,750, translating to a manageable 0.46 ratio against starting salary. However, context matters: within Minnesota's finance landscape, this program trails significantly behind the Twin Cities campus ($69K starting) and private competitors like St. Thomas and Augsburg. The $17,000+ earnings gap compared to UMN-Twin Cities represents real money over a career, though Duluth's likely lower tuition and living costs narrow that difference considerably.

For families prioritizing the University of Minnesota system while seeking smaller-school advantages or lower costs than the flagship campus, Duluth delivers solid returns with room for growth. The strong earnings trajectory indicates employers value these graduates increasingly over time. Just recognize you're trading some initial earning power for potentially better undergraduate experience and finances—a tradeoff that works for many families, especially those committed to staying in Minnesota's more affordable markets outside the Twin Cities.