Est. Earnings (1yr)
$50,104
Est. from KY median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from KY median (4 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Campbellsville UniversityCampbellsville$26,990$50,104*$27,000*
University of KentuckyLexington$13,212$59,474*$67,805$23,250*0.39
Transylvania UniversityLexington$44,980$58,803*$62,272$27,000*0.46
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills$38,400$55,385*$27,000*0.49
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights$10,896$52,425*$61,901$23,750*0.45
University of LouisvilleLouisville$12,828$51,923*$64,110$19,374*0.37
National Median$53,694*$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.