Finance and Financial Management Services at Walsh College

Walsh College's finance program offers a compelling combination that's rare in higher education: above-average starting earnings paired with remarkably low debt. Graduates leave with just $14,012 in loans—about 40% less than the typical Michigan finance student—while earning $58,735 their first year. That 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means students could theoretically pay off their loans in under three months of gross income, making this one of the most financially accessible finance degrees in the state.

The earnings themselves are solid, landing in the 60th percentile among Michigan programs and 70th percentile nationally. Yes, top Michigan schools like MSU ($68,103) and Oakland ($61,804) edge ahead, but they also typically come with significantly higher debt loads. Walsh's graduates start just $4,000 below Oakland's while carrying a fraction of the financial burden. The modest 3% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates hit their stride quickly rather than climbing dramatically—but when you're starting with manageable debt, steady earnings matter more than spectacular growth.

For families prioritizing financial stability and a quick return to positive net worth, Walsh's finance program delivers. The combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates immediate financial flexibility that more prestigious programs often can't match.