Insurance.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Insurance. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 39.5%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Insurance. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $57764 and average student debt of $22798, the financial outlook for Insurance. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Considering Insurance.? This major is known for its blend of hands-on learning and career-ready skills. Graduates often start out earning $57764, and with an average student debt of $22798, the debt-to-income ratio is 0.39—a great sign for your financial future.
With more than 2334 students earning this degree each year, you’ll be part of a vibrant community. Many alumni pursue roles like Insurance Underwriters, a career path projected to grow by -3.0% soon. Whether you’re interested in job security, making a difference, or just want a degree that opens doors, Insurance. is a smart choice. Don’t forget: internships, networking, and campus involvement can make your experience even more valuable.
Degree Overview
Insurance (CIP 52.1701) is a specialized and career-focused business degree designed for programs that prepare students to understand, manage, and operate in the insurance industry. This CIP code represents programs that combine business knowledge with risk management, underwriting, claims processing, and insurance operations, equipping graduates with the skills needed to succeed in personal, commercial, and specialty insurance sectors.
At its core, insurance is about assessing, managing, and mitigating risk to protect individuals, businesses, and organizations. Programs under 52.1701 teach students how to evaluate risk, design insurance policies, manage claims, and understand regulatory and legal frameworks. Graduates gain analytical, technical, and operational skills essential for a successful career in the insurance field.
This degree category is especially relevant as businesses and individuals increasingly rely on insurance to manage financial risk, comply with regulations, and protect assets in a complex and evolving economic environment.
What Is an Insurance Degree?
A degree classified under CIP 52.1701 represents programs that integrate business principles with insurance, risk management, and financial protection. Schools use this classification for programs that prepare students for careers in underwriting, claims, risk analysis, and insurance operations beyond standard business or finance tracks.
Depending on the institution, programs may include coursework in:
- Principles of insurance and risk management
- Property and casualty insurance
- Life, health, and employee benefits insurance
- Underwriting and policy evaluation
- Claims management and investigation
- Insurance law, ethics, and regulatory compliance
- Actuarial principles and financial modeling
- Reinsurance and risk pooling
- Insurance marketing, sales, and customer service
The emphasis is on practical, analytical, and regulatory knowledge to prepare graduates for the multifaceted roles within the insurance industry.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
Insurance is ideal for students who:
- Are interested in finance, risk management, and protective services
- Enjoy analytical problem-solving and evaluating risk
- Want versatile career options in insurance, finance, or consulting
- Prefer applied learning with industry exposure
- May pursue professional certifications such as CPCU, AINS, or actuarial credentials
This degree appeals to individuals who value precision, analytical reasoning, and strategic risk assessment.
What Will You Learn?
Students in 52.1701 programs learn to analyze risks, manage insurance operations, and provide guidance on financial protection. Coursework emphasizes risk assessment, policy design, regulatory compliance, and operational management.
You will develop the ability to evaluate insurance needs, create policies, manage claims, and advise clients or organizations on mitigating financial risk.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Most programs help students develop skills such as:
- Evaluating risk and assessing insurance needs
- Underwriting policies and managing claims
- Understanding regulatory and legal frameworks
- Analyzing financial data for risk and insurance purposes
- Communicating policy details and financial advice to clients
- Applying ethical principles in insurance and risk management
- Utilizing insurance software and technology tools
- Managing insurance operations and workflow efficiently
These skills are essential for roles in underwriting, claims, and risk management across insurance sectors.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework may include subjects such as:
- Principles of insurance and risk management
- Property, casualty, life, and health insurance
- Underwriting and policy evaluation
- Claims management and investigation
- Insurance law, ethics, and regulatory compliance
- Actuarial principles and financial modeling
- Reinsurance and risk pooling
- Marketing and customer relations in insurance
- Emerging trends in insurance technology and digital services
Many programs include internships, case studies, or hands-on projects to provide real-world industry experience.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
An Insurance degree prepares graduates for a variety of analytical, operational, and client-focused roles.
Common career paths include:
- Insurance Underwriter
- Claims Adjuster or Analyst
- Risk Management Specialist
- Insurance Sales or Broker
- Actuarial Analyst or Assistant
- Policy Analyst or Compliance Officer
- Insurance Operations Manager
- Consultant in insurance or risk management
Professional certifications and experience can lead to senior management, executive, or specialized advisory roles.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates commonly work in:
- Insurance companies and brokerage firms
- Risk management and consulting firms
- Corporate insurance and finance departments
- Government agencies regulating insurance
- Financial services and banking institutions
- Healthcare and employee benefits organizations
- Reinsurance companies and underwriting agencies
Insurance expertise is in demand across industries, providing stability and career growth.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary depending on role, experience, and industry. Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level insurance roles: $40,000–$55,000 annually
- Mid-level underwriters, claims analysts, or risk specialists: $55,000–$80,000
- Senior insurance managers, actuaries, or consultants: $90,000–$130,000+
Professional certifications and experience can significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
The academic difficulty is moderate to high. Students must be comfortable with mathematics, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and regulatory concepts. Success requires attention to detail, ethical judgment, and the ability to evaluate complex risk scenarios.
Who Should Choose CIP 52.1701 Specifically?
This CIP code may be a strong match if you:
- Are interested in insurance, risk management, or finance
- Enjoy evaluating and mitigating risk
- Want versatile career options across insurance sectors
- May pursue professional certifications (CPCU, AINS, actuarial exams)
- Value analytical thinking, regulatory knowledge, and operational skills
How to Prepare in High School
Students interested in insurance should:
- Take mathematics, economics, and business courses
- Develop analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Participate in business clubs, finance competitions, or internships
- Learn basics of risk management, financial planning, and insurance concepts
- Explore part-time or volunteer opportunities in insurance, finance, or business operations
Insurance represents a specialized, practical, and high-demand pathway for students who want to understand, manage, and mitigate risk—preparing them for careers in underwriting, claims management, risk assessment, sales, and insurance operations.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor