Analysis
Belmont Abbey's accounting graduates start at $55,224, placing them solidly above both the national median and well ahead of North Carolina's typical accounting graduate who earns $48,489. In a state with 37 accounting programs, landing in the 60th percentile is noteworthy—these graduates are outearning most NC accounting programs, including larger state schools like UNC Asheville.
The debt picture looks manageable at $25,982, translating to a 0.47 ratio against first-year earnings—meaning graduates owe roughly half their starting salary. This is better than the national median debt, and earnings grow to just over $60,000 by year four. For context, only programs like Elon (a much more selective institution) and NC State significantly outpace these results in North Carolina.
The significant caveat: this data comes from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could vary widely. However, for families considering a moderately-priced accounting degree in North Carolina, these outcomes suggest Belmont Abbey delivers competitive preparation without the debt loads that often accompany private colleges. The program appears to position graduates well for entry-level accounting roles in the regional market.
Where Belmont Abbey College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Belmont Abbey College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont Abbey College | $55,224 | $60,099 | +9% |
| Elon University | $69,764 | $87,359 | +25% |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $56,606 | $70,576 | +25% |
| Appalachian State University | $55,671 | $67,922 | +22% |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $50,928 | $64,596 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Belmont Abbey CollegeBelmont | $19,500 | $55,224 | $60,099 | $25,982 | 0.47 |
 Elon UniversityElon | $44,536 | $69,764 | $87,359 | $20,000 | 0.29 |
 North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh | $8,895 | $56,606 | $70,576 | $20,946 | 0.37 |
 Appalachian State UniversityBoone | $7,541 | $55,671 | $67,922 | $23,262 | 0.42 |
 University of North Carolina AshevilleAsheville | $7,461 | $53,705 | $55,852 | $22,612 | 0.42 |
 Strayer University-North CarolinaGreensboro | $13,920 | $52,373 | $56,398 | $54,989 | 1.05 |
| 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 Belmont Abbey College, approximately 25% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.