Accounting at Central Michigan University

Central Michigan's accounting program charges above-average debt ($29,000 versus $24,810 statewide) but delivers earnings that make the premium manageable. Graduates start at $62,430—outearning the national median by 16% and landing in the 81st percentile nationally. Within Michigan's competitive accounting landscape, this places graduates squarely in the middle tier, just behind Michigan State but ahead of most state programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a comfortable position that most can pay down within a few years.

The 6% earnings growth to $65,971 by year four suggests steady career progression rather than explosive growth, which is typical for accounting careers that reward experience and certifications over time. With a 91% admission rate and accessible entry requirements, this program offers a realistic path into a stable profession without the competitive pressure of elite business schools. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these outcomes reliable indicators rather than statistical flukes.

For families concerned about value, this is a straightforward calculation: you're paying slightly more than average for significantly above-average earning potential in a field with clear career pathways. The debt burden is meaningful but not crushing, and the starting salary provides real financial footing from day one.