By Will Wieters
The Vanderbilt Master of Science in Finance (MS Finance) Class of 2025 entered the job market amid a competitive and evolving financial landscape, delivering results that reflect both preparation and persistence. Ninety-seven percent of job-seeking graduates secured full-time offers within six months of graduation, with 94 percent accepting offers in that same timeframe.
These outcomes build on the program’s strong track record and underscore the continued demand for Vanderbilt MSF talent across financial services, consulting, and related industries.
Strong Outcomes in a Competitive Market
MS Finance students pursued opportunities across a wide range of roles and geographies. Nearly half of the Class of 2025, at 46 percent, accepted positions in investment banking, one of the most competitive sectors in the job market. Graduates also landed roles spanning investment and wealth management, private equity and venture capital, advisory and valuation, corporate finance, sales and trading, and consulting.
“The class tenaciously pursued available opportunities, often through fierce competition,” Associate Director Ginny Ling said. “As a result of their persistent endeavors, 97 percent of job-seeking students secured full-time offers within six months of graduation.”
Salary Growth and Employer Confidence
Ginny Ling, Associate Director & MS Finance Coaching Lead
The Class of 2025 also saw continued growth in compensation. Graduates reported an average base salary of $94,144 , with both mean and median salaries increasing year over year. These figures speak to sustained employer confidence in the technical and professional readiness of MS Finance graduates.
Students accepted offers from more than 50 employers nationwide, including leading financial institutions, advisory firms, and consulting organizations. Top hiring companies included Wells Fargo, Cain Brothers, JPMorgan Chase, and KPMG.
Geographically, graduates landed across major financial hubs, with the highest concentrations in New York, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and Dallas. A quarter of the class accepted roles in the Northeast, while 43 percent began their careers in the South, speaking to both national reach and regional strength.
Geographic view of where the MS Finance Class of 2025 is working.
The Power of the Owen Network
A defining feature of the Class of 2025’s success was the effective use of professional networks. Thirty-seven percent of accepted offers came through Owen-driven activities, including alumni referrals, faculty connections, and structured recruiting channels.
Ling highlighted the role of alumni and employer engagement in supporting student outcomes. “Networking remains a key differentiator for MSF students,” she said. “Our students effectively leveraged Owen’s and their own resources, turning informed conversations into interviews and offers.”
She also expressed appreciation for the broader Vanderbilt Business community, calling out the ongoing involvement of alumni and employer partners who contribute time, insight, and opportunity throughout the recruiting process.
Translating Preparation into Outcomes
The Class of 2025 navigated recruiting with a combination of technical preparation, strategy, and professional maturity. Students engaged deeply with peers, alumni, and employers, translating classroom learning into tangible outcomes across industries and regions.
As Ling noted, “Their dedication to continuous learning and willingness to engage deeply with peers, alumni, and employers helped them translate classroom excellence into meaningful outcomes.”
The employment results of the MS Finance Class of 2025 reinforce the program’s role in preparing early-career professionals to enter the finance sector with confidence, adaptability, and impact—all qualities that continue to define Vanderbilt MSF graduates well beyond their time on campus.
Learn More: MS Finance