Accounting at Aquinas College

Aquinas College's accounting graduates earn $63,311 in their first year—strong performance that ranks in the 83rd percentile nationally and positions the program among Michigan's top accounting options. That figure surpasses both the national median ($53,694) and state median ($52,668) by roughly $10,000, putting graduates nearly on par with established programs like Hope College and Albion College. For a school with a 71% admission rate, these earnings outcomes are genuinely impressive.

The debt picture appears manageable based on comparable Michigan programs. At an estimated $27,000 (derived from peer programs in the state), graduates would face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43—meaning debt equals about five months of first-year income. That's slightly above the state median of $24,810 but still falls well within reasonable territory for an accounting degree. Similar programs in Michigan typically produce debt loads in this range, and the strong earnings help offset the borrowing.

The combination of above-average earnings and moderate estimated debt makes this program look like solid value. Accounting degrees generally lead to stable career paths with clear progression, and starting near $63,000 positions graduates well for both loan repayment and building wealth. While the debt figure is an estimate based on peer programs rather than Aquinas-specific data, the strong earnings performance gives parents good reason to view this program favorably among Michigan accounting options.