Analysis
Finance programs in Ohio can differ dramatically in outcomes, and Rio Grande falls squarely in the middle when measured against state benchmarks. Similar programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $59,000—right at the state median but well below what graduates from Miami University ($71,000) or Ohio State ($65,000) typically command. That $12,000+ gap isn't trivial when you're making loan payments and trying to launch a career in a competitive field like finance.
The estimated debt of $27,000 sits slightly above both state and national medians, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. This means roughly half a year's salary in loans—manageable, but not particularly favorable when competitors charge similar amounts (or less) while their graduates earn substantially more. For a school serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (36%), that difference in early-career earnings could meaningfully affect financial stability.
What this suggests: Rio Grande's finance program appears to deliver middle-tier outcomes at middle-tier cost. If your child has offers from Ohio State or Miami, those programs show stronger earning potential that could justify comparable debt. But if Rio Grande offers significantly better financial aid or if geographic constraints make larger campuses impractical, the fundamentals here aren't alarming—just unremarkable. Get specifics on actual job placement rates and employer connections before committing, since those local factors may matter more than state averages suggest.
Where University of Rio Grande Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (43 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,560 | $58,790* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $17,809 | $71,203* | $88,554 | $22,000* | 0.31 | |
| $64,671 | $65,784* | $77,380 | $26,048* | 0.40 | |
| $12,859 | $65,181* | $82,036 | $20,500* | 0.31 | |
| $47,600 | $64,371* | $73,975 | $22,750* | 0.35 | |
| $9,577 | $61,645* | $57,012 | $33,949* | 0.55 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $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 Rio Grande, approximately 36% 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 26 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.