Analysis
Georgia's accounting programs show a stark divide, with outcomes at flagship schools significantly outpacing smaller institutions. Brewton-Parker's estimated figuresβbased on peer programs across the stateβsuggest first-year earnings around $50,600 against roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.53 debt ratio sits in reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree, but the earnings lag behind what students achieve at UGA ($64,000) or even Kennesaw State ($57,800).
The challenge here is straightforward: accounting is a credential-driven field where employer recruitment patterns matter enormously. The Big Four firms and regional accounting offices that drive starting salaries concentrate their campus visits at larger universities with established pipelines. Students at smaller schools often face a steeper climb to land those first positions, which explains why similar programs in Georgia cluster around this $50,000 mark rather than the $60,000+ seen at more prominent institutions.
For families considering this route, the debt load appears manageable, but your child would need a concrete plan for how they'll compete for accounting positions without the built-in recruitment advantages larger schools provide. That might mean aggressive internship hunting, CPA exam preparation before graduation, or geographic flexibility. Without those advantages working in their favor, simply earning the degree may not be enough to hit earnings that justify even moderate debt.
Where Brewton-Parker College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,696 | $50,583* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $11,180 | $64,058* | $76,298 | $23,250* | 0.36 | |
| $5,786 | $57,814* | $65,652 | $26,000* | 0.45 | |
| $45,806 | $56,121* | $77,243 | $26,000* | 0.46 | |
| $8,478 | $55,761* | $62,731 | $25,500* | 0.46 | |
| $17,488 | $54,264* | $54,099 | $54,380* | 1.00 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $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 Brewton-Parker College, approximately 46% 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 19 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.