Financeat Wilkes University
Graduates earn $41,758/yr in their first year — about 25.0% below the national Finance average. Base-case 10-year earnings $484K; scenarios range from $462K to $483K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Wilkes University
The financial data for Wilkes's Finance program highlights a challenging path, primarily influenced by its regional context. Wilkes-Barre's economy, while stable, doesn't offer the high-volume, high-paying financial sector jobs found in major metropolitan areas. This often means graduates compete for positions at regional banks, insurance companies, or local accounting firms, which typically offer more modest entry-level salaries and slower advancement compared to Wall Street or even Philadelphia-based opportunities.
Moreover, the very high AI risk score suggests many of the more routine financial analysis or data entry roles common in such markets are susceptible to automation. To navigate this, you'll need to actively seek internships in more robust markets or develop specialized skills in financial technology, data analytics, or niche areas of finance to create your own competitive advantage and access higher-paying career paths.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Wilkes University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Finance
How Wilkes University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Wilkes University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Wilkes University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Finance offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Finance trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Finance at Wilkes University
What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Finance at Wilkes University?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Finance programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Finance at Wilkes University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Wilkes University a good choice for Finance despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Wilkes University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.