Skip to main content

Best Value Finance and Financial Management Services Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

University of Pennsylvania graduates in Finance and Financial Management Services command a median salary of $122,725, nearly triple the earnings of Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates at $45,696. This massive earnings gap reflects Pennsylvania's finance education spectrum, where private institutions like Penn and Carnegie Mellon deliver strong returns despite net costs above $31,000. Public options like Indiana University of Pennsylvania offer the state's lowest net cost at $17,216, though earnings potential varies significantly. Pennsylvania's finance sector thrives with major employers like Comcast and PNC Financial Services headquartered in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The state's 15 programs show acceptance rates ranging from Penn's selective 6.5% to nearly open-access options above 90%. Graduate debt loads stay relatively manageable across most programs, with several schools keeping median debt under $25,000 despite substantial earnings potential in Pennsylvania's growing financial services market.
48
Programs
$12,251 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$58,605
Avg. Program Earnings
67.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

48 Finance and Financial Management Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $31,229 $122,725 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
2 $31,671 $95,295 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
3 $18,952 $52,977 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
4 $17,216 $45,696 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
5 $21,409 $55,512 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
6 $19,685 $50,465 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
7 $22,673 $53,508 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
8 $23,281 $52,733 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
9 $33,549 $74,142 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
10 $23,331 $50,856 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
11 $23,553 $51,169 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
12 $30,314 $65,387 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
13 $30,528 $62,260 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
14 $24,051 $47,846 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
15 $29,464 $57,995 $28,550 64.5% 69.7%
16 $30,465 $58,673 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
17 $27,700 $50,856 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
18 $26,539 $47,846 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
19 $27,263 $48,432 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
20 $30,074 $52,977 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
21 $29,219 $50,981 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
22 $23,206 $40,467 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
23 $35,487 $60,623 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
24 $25,747 $43,798 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
25 $38,428 $64,672 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
26 $44,876 $73,579 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
27 $34,978 $50,856 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
28 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
29 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
30 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
31 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
32 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
33 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
34 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
35 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
36 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
37 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
38 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
39 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
40 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
41 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
42 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
43 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
44 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
45 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
46 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
47 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
48 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $77,029 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School connection drives median earnings to $122,725, while Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $45,696. Carnegie Mellon follows at $95,295, showing how elite private institutions leverage alumni networks and recruiting pipelines. The gap reflects both institutional reputation and access to high-paying finance roles in major markets like Philadelphia and New York.

How do public university costs compare to earnings potential in Pennsylvania?

Public programs cost between $17,216-$23,553 annually while delivering earnings from $45,696-$53,508. West Chester University provides strong value with $22,673 net cost and $53,508 median earnings, plus a solid 69.8% graduation rate. Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers the lowest cost statewide but also the lowest earnings potential at $45,696.

Is the debt burden manageable for Pennsylvania finance graduates?

Most programs keep median debt reasonable, with University of Pennsylvania at just $12,999 despite high earnings potential. Several schools maintain debt levels between $21,000-$27,000, which represents manageable burdens given median salaries above $50,000. Only Indiana University of Pennsylvania shows concerning debt-to-earnings ratios with $25,447 in debt against $45,696 median earnings.

Does graduation rate impact earning potential across these programs?

Higher graduation rates generally correlate with better earnings, though exceptions exist. University of Pennsylvania's 96.8% graduation rate pairs with top earnings, while Carnegie Mellon's 92.5% rate produces $95,295 median salaries. However, programs with moderate graduation rates like York College at 59.7% still deliver solid $50,465 median earnings for graduates.

Where do Pennsylvania finance graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's finance sector centers around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, home to major employers like PNC Financial Services, Comcast, and UPMC's financial operations. The state's proximity to New York's financial district also creates opportunities, particularly for graduates from higher-ranked programs. Regional banks, insurance companies, and corporate finance roles across Pennsylvania's manufacturing base provide additional career paths for finance graduates.

More Finance and Financial Management Services Rankings

Cheapest Finance and Financial Management Services in Pennsylvania Finance and Financial Management Services Under $20,000 in Pennsylvania

Related

All Finance and Financial Management Services Programs Best Colleges in Pennsylvania Best Finance and Financial Management Services in Pennsylvania

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