Analysis
Capital University's accounting graduates earn $60,405 in their first yearβplacing them above three-quarters of accounting programs nationwide and in the top half within Ohio. That's a strong market outcome, especially for a school with a 73% admission rate where nearly a third of students receive Pell grants.
The estimated debt burden of $27,000, derived from the state median for similar private institutions in Ohio, appears manageable against these earnings. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in just over five months of pre-tax income. While the actual debt load for Capital's accounting graduates might vary from this estimate, the program's strong earnings performance suggests solid preparation for Ohio's accounting market.
The context matters here: Capital's accounting program delivers earnings competitive with more selective institutions like Ohio State ($62,399) while presumably offering more personal attention and potentially less competition for internships in the Columbus market. For families concerned about both employability and debt, this combination of above-average earnings and what appears to be reasonable borrowing makes accounting at Capital a practical choiceβthough confirming the actual debt levels with the financial aid office would remove the remaining uncertainty.
Where Capital University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Capital University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,788 | $60,405 | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000* | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000* | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284* | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $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 Capital University, approximately 31% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.