Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Finance and Financial Management Services masters's programs at peer institutions in California (20 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Southern California$111,548
San Diego State University$100,697
Golden Gate University$80,748
California Lutheran University$80,356$97,162
University of Phoenix-California$72,214$67,961
National Median$77,804

Other Finance and Financial Management Services Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
San Diego State University
San Diego
$8,290$100,697
Golden Gate University
San Francisco
$31,243$80,748
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks
$50,670$80,356
University of Phoenix-California
Ontario
$72,214

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 Southern California, approximately 22% 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.