Analysis
Augsburg University's accounting graduates start at $64,695—roughly $10,000 above the national median for accounting programs and $6,200 above Minnesota's median. At 87th percentile nationally, these outcomes rival the state's top private colleges, though Augsburg sits slightly above middle-of-the-pack (60th percentile) when compared only to Minnesota schools, where the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and several strong liberal arts colleges dominate.
The financial picture looks manageable. With median debt around $27,000 and a debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of 0.42, graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loans—the debt burden is actually lower than 75% of accounting programs nationally. Earnings growth to nearly $70,000 by year four suggests solid career progression in Minnesota's accounting market. The school's 52% Pell Grant rate indicates it serves a substantial number of lower-income students who are achieving strong outcomes.
For Minnesota families, this represents good value: your graduate will earn more than most accounting majors in the state while taking on typical debt levels. The program won't match the University of Minnesota's outcomes, but it delivers competitive results at a smaller private institution with higher accessibility.
Where Augsburg University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Augsburg 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augsburg University | $64,695 | $69,716 | +8% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $66,591 | $80,603 | +21% |
| Saint Johns University | $61,135 | $74,757 | +22% |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | $64,094 | $73,508 | +15% |
| University of St Thomas | $65,573 | $70,313 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis | $43,942 | $64,695 | $69,716 | $26,996 | 0.42 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $66,591 | $80,603 | $22,342 | 0.34 |
 Bethel UniversitySaint Paul | $42,930 | $65,587 | — | — | — |
 University of St ThomasSaint Paul | $52,284 | $65,573 | $70,313 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
 College of Saint BenedictSaint Joseph | $53,884 | $64,410 | $66,880 | $26,925 | 0.42 |
 Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter | $54,310 | $64,094 | $73,508 | $26,959 | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $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 Augsburg University, approximately 52% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.