Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at University of San Diego

Median Earnings (1yr)

$64,819

87th percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$23,508

1% above national median

Analysis

University of San Diego's finance program launches graduates into solid early-career positions at $64,819, then delivers impressive momentum with earnings jumping 36% to $88,295 by year four. This trajectory outperforms 87% of finance programs nationally and lands graduates well above the national median of $53,590. However, context matters: among California's 25 finance programs, USD sits in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing UC and other private competitors who place graduates into higher-paying Bay Area roles.

The debt picture tells an interesting story. At $23,508, borrowing aligns almost exactly with the national median for finance programs, creating a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. But California finance graduates typically carry just $15,663 in debt—$8,000 less than USD students. The higher price tag reflects USD's private school tuition without the corresponding premium that top California programs command in graduate outcomes.

For families comparing options, USD offers a clear upward trajectory that validates the investment, particularly if your student prefers Southern California over the Bay Area job market. The strong year-four earnings suggest graduates successfully transition into analyst and associate roles at financial institutions. Just recognize you're paying a premium over UC options for the private school experience, not for superior career outcomes relative to other California finance programs.

Where University of San Diego Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of San Diego 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 San Diego	$64,819	$88,295	+36%
Santa Clara University	$79,929	$106,444	+33%
University of San Francisco	$64,972	$98,950	+52%
Loyola Marymount University	$70,542	$90,660	+29%
California State University-San Marcos	$54,408	$74,510	+37%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (25 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of San DiegoSan Diego	$56,444	$64,819	$88,295	$23,508	0.36
Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara	$59,241	$79,929	$106,444	$16,201	0.20
University of Phoenix-CaliforniaOntario	—	$70,963	$59,017	$48,469	0.68
Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles	$58,974	$70,542	$90,660	$19,500	0.28
Menlo CollegeAtherton	$51,070	$69,684	—	$24,500	0.35
University of San FranciscoSan Francisco	$58,222	$64,972	$98,950	$24,347	0.37
National Median	—	$53,590	—	$23,332	0.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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 San Diego, approximately 19% 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 133 graduates with reported earnings and 129 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.