Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,708
14th percentile
25th percentile in Virginia
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

Averett's accounting graduates earn roughly $10,000 less than the typical Virginia accounting graduate—landing in just the 25th percentile statewide. That's a significant gap when you consider that Virginia's median is already close to the national benchmark. While the debt load of $27,000 sits near national norms, you're paying similar amounts for notably lower returns compared to other in-state options like James Madison ($71,563) or Virginia Tech ($70,303).

The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, but the pattern is concerning. Starting at $43,708 puts graduates well behind peers from other Virginia programs, which matters because accounting is typically valued for its reliable career outcomes. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it's less favorable when earnings lag this far behind state and national medians.

For families comparing Virginia schools, this program's value proposition is hard to justify. Unless Averett offers unique advantages like location proximity or a particularly supportive environment your child needs, the earnings gap suggests looking elsewhere. The state's public universities deliver substantially stronger returns at competitive or lower costs.

Where Averett University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Averett University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (32 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Averett UniversityDanville$38,550$43,708$27,0000.62
Washington and Lee UniversityLexington$64,525$81,625$101,332$16,7500.21
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg$13,576$71,563$81,138$22,4840.31
University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond$62,600$71,508$86,270$20,7570.29
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$15,478$70,303$82,394$18,5000.26
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$67,291$80,027$21,5000.32
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

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 Averett University, approximately 39% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.