Analysis
In Kentucky's accounting landscape, Brescia sits near the middle of the pack based on what similar programs produce. While the state's top performers like Kentucky and Transylvania push past $58,000 in first-year earnings, most accounting programs across the state—including peer institutions—cluster around $50,000. That's the estimated starting point here, about $3,600 below the national accounting median. For a field with relatively standardized curriculum and professional credentials, this gap matters less than it might in other majors, but it does suggest Kentucky accounting graduates generally earn slightly less than their counterparts in other states.
The estimated $27,000 debt load sits right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, graduates would dedicate about half their first-year salary to their educational investment—manageable territory for accounting, where career paths tend to be stable and advancement predictable. The challenge is that Brescia's 35% admission rate and substantial Pell population (43%) suggest students here may have fewer financial safety nets if they struggle to land positions at competitive firms or need extra time to pass the CPA exam.
The practical consideration: accounting credentials matter more than pedigree in this field, so if Brescia provides solid exam preparation and regional employer connections, the modest estimated outcomes could work. But with schools like Northern Kentucky delivering similar debt with stronger reported earnings, parents should verify what makes Brescia's program competitive beyond its smaller campus environment.
Where Brescia University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,450 | $50,104* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $13,212 | $59,474* | $67,805 | $23,250* | 0.39 | |
| $44,980 | $58,803* | $62,272 | $27,000* | 0.46 | |
| $38,400 | $55,385* | — | $27,000* | 0.49 | |
| $10,896 | $52,425* | $61,901 | $23,750* | 0.45 | |
| $12,828 | $51,923* | $64,110 | $19,374* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694* | — | $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 Brescia University, approximately 43% 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 11 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.