Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs in South Carolina, Benedict College graduates can expect first-year earnings around $52,373βright at the state median but below what top programs like Bob Jones or USC deliver. The estimated debt of $23,936 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a reasonable starting point, especially considering that 63% of Benedict students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from families with limited resources to fund college any other way.
The gap between Benedict's projected outcomes and the state's strongest programs is worth notingβabout $7,000 annually compared to the top performers. Over a career, that difference compounds. However, accounting is a field with clear professional credentials (CPA licensure) that can level the playing field regardless of where you earned your bachelor's degree. The real question is whether Benedict provides adequate CPA exam preparation and whether students can access internships and recruiting opportunities with major firms in Columbia or Charlotte.
For families weighing this investment: the debt load appears reasonable for an accounting degree, but you're betting on estimated figures rather than proven outcomes for this specific program. Before committing, demand to see Benedict's actual CPA pass rates and recent graduate employment dataβthose concrete metrics matter more than these peer-based projections.
Where Benedict College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (24 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,000 | $52,373* | β | $23,936* | β | |
| $23,400 | $59,332* | $65,948 | $23,936* | 0.40 | |
| $12,688 | $59,283* | $72,537 | $25,826* | 0.44 | |
| $15,554 | $56,419* | $69,904 | $23,250* | 0.41 | |
| $33,580 | $55,127* | $55,705 | $23,750* | 0.43 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| 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 Benedict College, approximately 63% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 9 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.