Accounting at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa

Bryant & Stratton's accounting associate degree falls short of what Wisconsin students should expect from this credential. While the $36,958 starting salary sits right at the national median, it trails the Wisconsin state median by more than $5,400—landing this program in just the 40th percentile among the state's 22 accounting programs. More concerning is the $26,291 debt load, which exceeds both the state median ($16,412) and national median ($19,354) by significant margins. Students here are borrowing 60% more than typical Wisconsin accounting graduates while earning less.

The comparison to Wisconsin's technical college system is stark. Programs at Waukesha County Tech, Madison Area Tech, and even nearby Western Technical College deliver starting salaries in the $42,000-$45,000 range with substantially lower debt burdens. That's $6,000-$9,000 more per year—a difference that compounds quickly when you're also carrying less debt.

For families evaluating this program, the math is straightforward: technical colleges in Wisconsin consistently produce better outcomes for accounting associate degree seekers. The higher debt combined with below-state-average earnings creates a less favorable financial position that modest 5% earnings growth doesn't overcome. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances—like location constraints or specific support services—Wisconsin families should prioritize the state's technical college options first.