Analysis
Similar programs across Pennsylvania suggest Cabrini's accounting graduates start around $58,000 and climb to $66,000 by year four—solid middle-of-the-pack earnings for the state, though well below what Penn's elite accounting programs deliver. The estimated $27,000 debt load tracks with state norms and creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary.
The four-year earnings jump to $66,000 signals steady career progression in a field known for reliable advancement, particularly for those who pursue CPA certification. That said, the comparison to Pennsylvania's top programs is stark: Villanova and Lehigh accounting grads start near $78,000, a $20,000 premium that compounds over a career. The question isn't whether Cabrini's program works—accounting fundamentals transfer well regardless of where you learn them—but whether the total cost of attendance justifies choosing it over lower-priced state schools or higher-earning private alternatives.
For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, this estimated profile suggests a functional path into accounting without crippling debt. The real calculation depends on net price after financial aid, since 37% of Cabrini students receive Pell grants and your actual cost could differ significantly from sticker price.
Where Cabrini 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrini University | — | $66,068 | — |
| Lehigh University | $77,026 | $95,363 | +24% |
| Bucknell University | $75,776 | $93,021 | +23% |
| Villanova University | $77,966 | $91,268 | +17% |
| University of Scranton | $70,453 | $85,314 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,815 | $57,966* | $66,068 | $27,000* | — | |
| $64,701 | $77,966* | $91,268 | $25,858* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $77,026* | $95,363 | $23,179* | 0.30 | |
| $64,772 | $75,776* | $93,021 | $26,881* | 0.35 | |
| $52,309 | $70,453* | $85,314 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $60,663 | $70,069* | $76,765 | $28,832* | 0.41 | |
| 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 Cabrini 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 42 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.