Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,320
67th percentile
60th percentile in Kansas
Median Debt
$20,500
18% below national median

Analysis

Benedictine College's accounting graduates start at $58,320β€”outperforming both the Kansas state median ($53,842) and the national median ($53,694) by roughly 8%. Among Kansas accounting programs, this performance sits in the 60th percentile, trailing Kansas State and Wichita State but outpacing most other in-state options. With a debt burden of $20,500, graduates carry about $4,500 less than typical accounting students nationally, creating a favorable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio that means just over four months of income to cover loans.

The 18% earnings growth to $68,559 by year four suggests solid career progression, though these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, which introduces uncertainty. The school's 76% admission rate and lower Pell grant enrollment (16%) point to a more selective, potentially advantaged student body that may contribute to these outcomes beyond just the program's quality.

For Kansas families, this program delivers competitive starting salaries with below-average debtβ€”a combination that makes the financial equation work. The earnings trajectory holds up reasonably well, though parents should recognize that small sample sizes mean individual experiences may vary more widely than at larger programs. If your child can match these outcomes, they're getting solid value relative to other Kansas options.

Where Benedictine College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Benedictine College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Benedictine College$58,320$68,559+18%
Kansas State University$60,155$68,922+15%
University of Kansas$53,842$64,135+19%
Wichita State University$59,448$63,799+7%
Friends University$54,393$62,096+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Benedictine CollegeAtchison$34,800$58,320$68,559$20,5000.35
Kansas State UniversityManhattan$10,942$60,155$68,922$24,2500.40
Wichita State UniversityWichita$9,322$59,448$63,799$22,2500.37
Fort Hays State UniversityHays$5,633$56,503$44,024$26,0000.46
Washburn UniversityTopeka$9,578$55,197$58,768$20,8530.38
Friends UniversityWichita$32,748$54,393$62,096$31,2500.57
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$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 Benedictine College, approximately 16% 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 24 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.