Median Earnings (1yr)
$58,320
67th percentile (60th in KS)
Median Debt
$20,500
18% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.35
Manageable
Sample Size
23
Limited data

Analysis

Benedictine College's accounting graduates start at $58,320—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 debt—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

Benedictine CollegeOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Benedictine College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Benedictine College graduates earn $58k, placing them in the 67th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Benedictine College$58,320$68,559$20,5000.35
Kansas State University$60,155$68,922$24,2500.40
Wichita State University$59,448$63,799$22,2500.37
Fort Hays State University$56,503$44,024$26,0000.46
Washburn University$55,197$58,768$20,8530.38
Friends University$54,393$62,096$31,2500.57
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Kansas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Kansas State University
Manhattan
$10,942$60,155$24,250
Wichita State University
Wichita
$9,322$59,448$22,250
Fort Hays State University
Hays
$5,633$56,503$26,000
Washburn University
Topeka
$9,578$55,197$20,853
Friends University
Wichita
$32,748$54,393$31,250

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.