Accounting at Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Central Methodist's accounting program sits in the middle of Missouri's options, yet falls well short of what most accounting graduates earn—both nationally (17th percentile) and within the state (40th percentile). Starting at $45,023 is roughly $8,000 below Missouri's median and nearly $9,000 below the national benchmark. While the debt load of $25,418 is reasonable and close to both state and national averages, the concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out than they do immediately after college.

That backwards slide—from $45,023 to $41,869—is unusual for accounting, a field where professional certifications and experience typically drive steady salary growth. Whether this reflects graduates working in lower-paying roles, leaving the profession, or other factors isn't clear from the data, but it fundamentally changes the debt picture. A 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable at first glance, but less so when earnings are moving in the wrong direction.

For families considering this program, the comparison to Missouri's stronger options is instructive. University of Missouri-Columbia graduates start at $65,057, while even mid-tier state schools like University of Central Missouri deliver $56,565. Unless there are compelling reasons to choose Central Methodist—location, flexibility, or fit—accounting students can likely find better earning potential elsewhere in Missouri without taking on more debt.