Accounting at College of Our Lady of the Elms

Four years into their careers, accounting graduates from comparable Massachusetts programs earn around $64,000—solid middle-class territory that places these programs well above the national accounting median of $54,000. While first-year estimates suggest a typical start near $65,000 across similar Bay State programs, the lack of movement by year four deserves attention. Most accounting careers see meaningful salary progression as professionals gain credentials and client relationships, so flat earnings could signal that graduates are leaving the field, working in lower-growth accounting roles, or facing regional market constraints.

The estimated $27,000 debt burden aligns closely with what other Massachusetts accounting programs report, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that's quite manageable for a professional field. For context, Elms serves a population where 42% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from families where they'll be first-generation professionals. At these earnings levels, monthly loan payments would consume roughly 8-10% of gross income under standard repayment—tight but workable for someone entering corporate accounting or tax preparation roles.

The real question is why earnings stagnate after year one. If graduates are passing the CPA exam and staying in accounting, this pattern would be unusual. Parents should investigate job placement specifics: are graduates landing at regional firms with clear advancement paths, or taking bookkeeping roles that hit a ceiling quickly? The numbers work for debt repayment, but they don't suggest the upward trajectory most families expect from a professional accounting degree.