Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs in Kentucky, Campbellsville's estimated $50,104 first-year earnings sit right at the state median—but that's a meaningful gap below what Kentucky's strongest programs produce. The University of Kentucky and Transylvania graduates earn roughly $9,000 more their first year out, suggesting that in Kentucky's accounting market, where you get your degree influences starting salary more than you might expect.
The estimated $27,000 debt burden keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio reasonable at 0.54, which is slightly better than the national benchmark. Similar Kentucky programs typically saddle graduates with $26,000 to $27,000 in loans, so Campbellsville appears in line with state norms on the borrowing side. For an accounting degree—a field where professional credentials and job placement networks matter considerably—this debt level won't derail financial stability if those earnings estimates hold true.
The challenge is uncertainty. With a 98% admission rate and data too limited to report actual outcomes, you're making a $27,000 bet based on how other Kentucky accounting programs perform, not on evidence from Campbellsville's own graduates. If your child can access one of Kentucky's top-tier accounting programs, the data suggests that investment pays off more reliably. If Campbellsville is the affordable option that gets them to a CPA license, the numbers look manageable—just know you're operating with more unknowns than you'd face elsewhere.
Where Campbellsville 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,990 | $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 Campbellsville University, approximately 22% 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.