Accounting at Bryant University

Bryant's accounting graduates start at $64,665—roughly $7,000 more than typical Rhode Island accounting grads and over $10,000 above the national median. That 87th percentile national ranking shows this program punches well above its weight, especially considering the university's 66% admission rate makes it accessible to students beyond the most competitive tier. The 60th percentile ranking within Rhode Island reflects the state's generally strong accounting outcomes, but Bryant still trails only Providence College and Roger Williams among RI schools in this field.

The $27,000 median debt sits right at the state median and actually represents the 25th percentile nationally—meaning 75% of accounting programs nationwide leave students with more debt. Combined with first-year earnings that make the debt manageable (0.42 ratio), graduates start on solid financial footing. The 22% earnings growth to $78,868 by year four suggests the program's private school connections and rigorous curriculum translate into career advancement, not just initial placement.

For parents weighing Bryant's private school price tag against public alternatives like URI, the nearly $7,000 earnings premium over URI's median justifies the investment, particularly given comparable debt levels. This is one of those programs where paying for the school's reputation and network delivers measurable returns—you're not just buying a credential, you're buying access to better-paying employers from day one.