Analysis
Auburn's accounting program significantly outperforms both state and national benchmarks, placing it among the stronger public accounting programs in the Southeast. First-year graduates earn $60,381βroughly $13,000 more than the Alabama median and about $7,000 above the national average. Among Alabama's 24 accounting programs, Auburn ranks in the 80th percentile, outearning even flagship competitor University of Alabama by nearly $7,000. The $23,250 debt load sits below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that graduates typically manage comfortably.
The trajectory looks solid too: earnings grow 13% to $68,374 by year four, suggesting graduates are building careers rather than hitting early ceilings. While Auburn's admission standards (50% acceptance rate, 1318 SAT) indicate selectivity, the 12% Pell Grant population shows it's not exclusively serving wealthy students. The moderate sample size provides reasonably reliable data without the volatility of very small cohorts.
For Alabama families especially, this represents clear valueβyour child would be entering one of the state's top accounting programs with manageable debt and strong earning potential. The premium over other in-state options is substantial enough to matter in career outcomes, making Auburn a smart choice for accounting-focused students who can gain admission.
Where Auburn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Auburn University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | $60,381 | $68,374 | +13% |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $45,751 | $69,175 | +51% |
| The University of Alabama | $53,452 | $68,159 | +28% |
| Strayer University-Alabama | $52,373 | $56,398 | +8% |
| Herzing University-Birmingham | $49,538 | $54,212 | +9% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,536 | $60,381 | $68,374 | $23,250 | 0.39 | |
| $11,900 | $53,452 | $68,159 | $23,000 | 0.43 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373 | $56,398 | $54,989 | 1.05 | |
| $8,832 | $51,640 | $53,666 | $34,288 | 0.66 | |
| $13,420 | $49,538 | $54,212 | β | β | |
| $9,676 | $48,795 | $48,118 | $27,000 | 0.55 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Auburn University, approximately 12% 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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.