Accounting at Ashford University

Ashford's accounting graduates face an unusual challenge: their earnings actually decline between years one and four, dropping from $50,350 to $48,351. This is rare in accounting, a field where skills and credentials typically command higher pay over time. The starting salary lands in the 25th percentile among California programs—well below the state median of $62,202—and trails the national average by $3,000.

The debt load creates additional pressure. At $39,750, graduates carry about $15,000 more debt than typical California accounting majors. That 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means nearly a full year's salary goes toward repayment—a tighter squeeze when your earnings aren't growing. For comparison, programs like Santa Clara ($78,417) and USC ($73,903) not only start higher but maintain upward salary trajectories.

The pattern here suggests potential issues with either credential recognition or career advancement opportunities for Ashford graduates in California's competitive accounting market. Unless this program offers specific advantages like flexible scheduling for working adults at a significantly lower sticker price, California families should expect better outcomes from state programs that deliver higher earnings with less debt. The downward earnings trend is the real warning sign—accounting careers shouldn't peak in year one.