Public Finance
A program that prepares individuals to manage the financial assets and budgets of public sector organizations. Includes instruction in public trusts and investments; the laws and procedures used to plan, prepare and administer public agency budgets; and the preparation and analysis of public budget projections and policies.
- Schools offering
- 1
- Annual completions
- 23
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $81k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to manage the financial assets and budgets of public sector organizations. Includes instruction in public trusts and investments; the laws and procedures used to plan, prepare and administer public agency budgets; and the preparation and analysis of public budget projections and policies.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial managers | $162k | +14.8% | Bachelor's degree |
| Financial and investment analysts | $101k | +5.7% | Bachelor's degree |
| Business teachers, postsecondary | $97k | +5.7% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Financial risk specialists | $106k | +6.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Budget analysts | $88k | +1.0% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$81k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$52k
Bachelor's
$81k
Top colleges for Public Finance
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niagara University | Niagara University, NY | 0 | 23 | 23 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Public Finance field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Public Finance worth it? Read verdict