Est. Earnings (1yr)
$56,441
Est. from OH median (36 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from OH median (17 programs)

Analysis

Four years into their careers, Bluffton accounting graduates earn $61,551β€”a figure that solidly exceeds what similar programs typically produce in the first year across Ohio. This trajectory suggests reasonable momentum in a field where early advancement matters. The estimated $27,000 in debt, based on comparable Ohio programs, translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48, which falls below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment challenges.

What's worth noting is how Bluffton positions relative to Ohio's accounting landscape. While top-tier programs like Case Western and Miami University produce first-year earners around $68,000, the gap narrows by year fourβ€”and Bluffton's estimated debt burden appears manageable by comparison. The 37% Pell grant population suggests this program serves students who need credentials to translate directly into employment, and accounting delivers that better than many majors.

The core question is whether Bluffton's accounting program can match the earnings trajectory suggested by state peers. With actual four-year earnings documented above $61,000, there's concrete evidence of solid mid-career outcomes. For families comfortable with mid-five-figure debt for a license-track profession with clear employment pathways, this program warrants serious considerationβ€”just recognize you're working with estimates on the early earnings and borrowing figures.

Where Bluffton University Stands

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

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Bluffton Universityβ€”$61,551β€”
Case Western Reserve University$67,830$78,857+16%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$62,399$77,705+25%
Miami University-Oxford$67,743$77,503+14%
John Carroll University$62,145$75,037+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Bluffton UniversityBluffton$36,298$56,441*$61,551$27,000*β€”
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$67,830*$78,857$25,000*0.37
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$67,743*$77,503$23,000*0.34
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$65,127*$72,243$27,000*0.41
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$62,399*$77,705$23,284*0.37
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights$49,100$62,145*$75,037$27,000*0.43
National Medianβ€”$53,694*β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Bluffton University, approximately 37% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.