Accounting at Biola University

Biola's accounting graduates earn $65,246 in their first year—well above the national median of $53,694 but in the middle tier among California programs. At 60th percentile statewide, these graduates are doing respectably, though they're earning about $5,000 less than the typical California accounting graduate and notably trailing the state's top programs, where starting salaries reach $72,000-$78,000.

The debt picture is manageable: $23,875 represents just 37% of first-year earnings, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross income. This is stronger than the national average for accounting programs and slightly better than California's typical debt load. For a private Christian university, keeping debt near the state median while delivering above-average national outcomes is a genuine achievement.

The major caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates reported data. This means one exceptionally high or low earner could skew the results significantly. If your child is drawn to Biola's faith-integrated education and campus community, the accounting program appears financially viable, but recognize you're paying a modest premium compared to public alternatives while landing in the middle of California's competitive accounting landscape.