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Best Value Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Ohio State University graduates with finance degrees earn $60,701 annually, nearly double the $40,179 earned by Cleveland State University alumni, highlighting how school choice significantly impacts career outcomes. While most Ohio finance programs cluster around $45,000-55,000 in graduate earnings, Miami University stands out with the highest at $63,487, though its $27,662 net cost reflects this premium positioning. The state's finance programs serve a regional economy anchored by major healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic and manufacturing giants including Honda, creating steady demand for financial analysts and corporate finance professionals. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Youngstown State offering the lowest net cost at $11,877 while still maintaining reasonable graduate debt levels. Graduation rates vary dramatically across the 15 programs, from Wright State's 45.90% to Ohio State's impressive 87.70%, suggesting that institutional support and student preparation differ substantially even among public options.
43
Programs
$4,503 – $38,909
Net Price Range
$50,813
Avg. Program Earnings
55.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

43 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $40,402 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $18,292 $60,701 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
3 $14,981 $46,478 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
4 $15,216 $45,127 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
5 $17,460 $47,260 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
6 $20,918 $55,693 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
7 $20,413 $53,715 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
8 $16,065 $40,179 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
9 $21,994 $51,607 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
10 $19,614 $45,584 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
11 $27,662 $63,487 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
12 $25,022 $57,318 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
13 $23,156 $48,162 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
14 $22,605 $46,673 $9,577 30.3%
15 $22,539 $46,321 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
16 $28,617 $54,618 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
17 $27,654 $50,677 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
18 $31,236 $55,026 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
19 $32,342 $49,918 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
20 $38,909 $57,318 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
21 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
22 $38,111 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
23 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
24 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
25 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
26 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
27 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
28 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
29 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
30 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
31 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
32 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
33 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
34 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
35 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
36 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
37 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
38 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
39 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
40 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
41 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
42 $21,296 $36,032 41.9% 54.1%
43 $22,881 $36,120 51.3% 77.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Ohio finance programs?

Miami University finance graduates earn $63,487 annually compared to Cleveland State's $40,179, a difference of over $23,000 that reflects institutional reputation and alumni networks. Ohio State produces similarly high earners at $60,701, while most other programs cluster between $45,000-55,000. School location and industry connections play major roles, with Columbus and Oxford programs benefiting from proximity to corporate headquarters and stronger regional employer relationships.

How do Ohio's public universities compare on graduate debt levels?

Wright State graduates carry the lowest debt burden at $17,762, while Kent State students face $24,758 in average debt. Most Ohio public finance programs keep debt between $18,000-24,000, making them accessible options for middle-income families. Cedarville University, despite being private, actually produces graduates with lower debt at $16,750 than many public alternatives.

Is Ohio State worth the higher cost for finance students?

Ohio State's $18,292 net cost produces graduates earning $60,701, creating strong return on investment despite higher upfront expenses. The program maintains an 87.70% graduation rate, the highest among Ohio public universities offering finance degrees. Students gain access to Columbus financial sector employers and benefit from extensive alumni networks in major markets nationwide.

Does graduation rate predict success in Ohio finance programs?

Programs with graduation rates above 70% tend to produce higher-earning graduates, with Miami University at 81.80% leading in both metrics. Wright State's 45.90% graduation rate correlates with lower earnings of $45,127, while Ohio State's 87.70% rate aligns with top earnings at $60,701. However, University of Toledo breaks this pattern with modest 55.60% graduation but solid $47,260 earnings.

Where do Ohio finance graduates find the best job opportunities?

Columbus leads Ohio's finance job market with headquarters for major insurers and healthcare systems requiring financial analysts and corporate finance professionals. Cleveland's healthcare sector, anchored by Cleveland Clinic, creates steady demand for healthcare finance specialists earning competitive salaries. Cincinnati's corporate presence and Dayton's aerospace industry provide additional opportunities, though earnings data suggests Columbus-area programs maintain slight advantages in graduate outcomes.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.