Accounting (Bachelor's Degree) at American Public University System

Median Earnings (1yr)

$50,688

37th percentile

60th percentile in West Virginia

Median Debt

$38,147

53% above national median

Analysis

American Public University System's online accounting program sits near the middle of West Virginia's offerings but trails the national median by about $3,000 annually. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates earn $50,688 in their first year but see incomes drop to $46,839 by year four—an unusual pattern that suggests many grads may be changing careers or facing limited advancement opportunities in their initial roles.

The debt picture offers a silver lining. At $38,147, this program actually carries higher debt than both state and national medians, yet still maintains a manageable 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio. With first-year earnings just above West Virginia's state median for accounting programs, graduates start in a reasonable financial position even if long-term prospects appear cloudier. The moderate sample size (30-100 grads) adds some uncertainty to these patterns.

For a family considering this online program, the key question is career stability. While you're not paying a premium over West Virginia's brick-and-mortar options like WVU or Fairmont State—which offer similar or slightly better outcomes—the declining earnings pattern deserves scrutiny. This could work for students who need the flexibility of online education and plan to stay in West Virginia, but the numbers suggest graduates may struggle to build momentum in traditional accounting career paths.

Where American Public University System Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How American Public University System graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
American Public University System	$50,688	$46,839	-8%
West Virginia University Institute of Technology	$51,824	$69,240	+34%
West Virginia University	$51,824	$69,240	+34%
Strayer University-West Virginia	$52,373	$56,398	+8%
Fairmont State University	$47,630	$55,226	+16%

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (13 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
American Public University SystemCharles Town	$8,400	$50,688	$46,839	$38,147	0.75
Strayer University-West VirginiaScott Depot	$13,920	$52,373	$56,398	$54,989	1.05
West Virginia University Institute of TechnologyBeckley	$8,064	$51,824	$69,240	$23,903	0.46
West Virginia UniversityMorgantown	$9,648	$51,824	$69,240	$23,903	0.46
Fairmont State UniversityFairmont	$8,454	$47,630	$55,226	—	—
University of CharlestonCharleston	$32,842	$45,410	—	—	—
National Median	—	$53,694	—	$25,000	0.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American Public University System, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 70 graduates with reported earnings and 87 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.