Accounting at Columbia College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Columbia College's accounting program sits squarely in the middle of Missouri's options—literally at the state median for both earnings and debt. Starting salaries of $46,905 trail the state average by about $3,300 and fall notably behind Missouri's flagship programs, which place graduates at $59,000-$65,000. However, the debt load of $25,379 is manageable at just 0.54 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates should be able to handle their monthly payments without financial strain.
The 9% earnings growth to $51,171 by year four suggests steady, if unspectacular, career progression. What makes this program worth considering is its accessibility—44% of students receive Pell grants—combined with reasonable debt levels. For families weighing cost versus potential, this represents a solid middle-tier option rather than a top-value choice.
If your child has admission offers from Truman State, University of Central Missouri, or the state flagship, those programs deliver meaningfully higher starting salaries (10-40% more) without requiring substantially more debt. Columbia College makes sense primarily for students who value the smaller college environment or who need the flexibility this institution offers, understanding they're trading some earning potential for those benefits.
Where Columbia College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Columbia College graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (33 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | $46,905 | $51,171 | $25,379 | 0.54 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $65,057 | $81,583 | $20,707 | 0.32 |
| Saint Louis University | $63,153 | — | $26,820 | 0.42 |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis | $61,237 | $65,069 | $25,125 | 0.41 |
| Truman State University | $59,919 | $64,972 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
| University of Central Missouri | $56,565 | $58,085 | $25,591 | 0.45 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $65,057 | $20,707 |
| Saint Louis University Saint Louis | $53,244 | $63,153 | $26,820 |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis | $27,166 | $61,237 | $25,125 |
| Truman State University Kirksville | $9,470 | $59,919 | $23,250 |
| University of Central Missouri Warrensburg | $9,739 | $56,565 | $25,591 |
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 Columbia College, approximately 44% 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 121 graduates with reported earnings and 149 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.