Analysis
Accounting programs across Tennessee produce remarkably consistent outcomes, with first-year earnings clustering tightly around $52,000 whether graduates attended flagship public universities or smaller private institutions. Christian Brothers' estimated debt load of $23,786 sits right at the state median for accounting programs, suggesting typical borrowing patterns rather than excessive costs.
The estimated 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary—falls into a manageable range for an accounting degree. Based on comparable Tennessee programs, graduates should be able to handle loan payments on entry-level accounting salaries without financial strain. The $51,694 estimated earnings align closely with the state median and aren't far from what Tennessee's largest programs report, which means the smaller campus size and faith-based mission haven't translated into an earnings penalty in this field.
The critical question is fit rather than financial return. With an 88% admission rate and 31% Pell grant population, Christian Brothers serves a specific student demographic in Memphis. If your child values the smaller classes and Catholic tradition enough to attend here over a larger state school with similar accounting outcomes, the estimated debt burden won't derail their financial future. But there's no earnings premium visible to justify choosing this program purely on career grounds—the financial picture looks essentially identical across Tennessee's accounting programs.
Where Christian Brothers University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,300 | $51,694* | — | $23,786 | — | |
| $8,568 | $53,620* | $50,033 | $29,250 | 0.55 | |
| $22,690 | $53,577* | $70,035 | $16,750 | 0.31 | |
| $13,484 | $53,197* | $71,799 | $22,000 | 0.41 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989 | 1.05 | |
| $9,506 | $51,963* | $59,969 | $24,553 | 0.47 | |
| 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 Christian Brothers 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.
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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.