Accounting at Avila University

Based on comparable accounting programs in Missouri, Avila's graduates likely face debt levels around $25,400—right in line with both state and national medians for this major. That's manageable debt, particularly for an accounting degree where professional certifications can accelerate earnings growth. The estimated first-year salary of $50,200 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's income.

The challenge is competition. Missouri's strongest accounting programs—Mizzou, Saint Louis University, Maryville—report first-year earnings $10,000 to $15,000 higher than the state median Avila's estimates are based on. That gap matters in accounting, where starting salaries often correlate with the prestige of recruiting firms and CPA exam pass rates. With nearly half of Avila's students receiving Pell grants, accessibility is clearly part of the mission, but parents should investigate job placement specifics: which firms recruit on campus, what the CPA pass rate looks like, and whether graduates land at regional firms or smaller practices.

The debt load won't sink anyone, but without reported outcomes specific to Avila, you're making decisions based on what typical Missouri accounting programs produce. Request placement data directly from the school—where graduates actually work and what they actually earn—before committing.