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
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | $46,905 | $51,171 | +9% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $65,057 | $81,583 | +25% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $54,357 | $65,509 | +21% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $55,615 | $65,154 | +17% |
| Maryville University of Saint Louis | $61,237 | $65,069 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (33 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Columbia CollegeColumbia | $24,326 | $46,905 | $51,171 | $25,379 | 0.54 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $65,057 | $81,583 | $20,707 | 0.32 |
 Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis | $53,244 | $63,153 | — | $26,820 | 0.42 |
 Maryville University of Saint LouisSaint Louis | $27,166 | $61,237 | $65,069 | $25,125 | 0.41 |
 Truman State UniversityKirksville | $9,470 | $59,919 | $64,972 | $23,250 | 0.39 |
 University of Central MissouriWarrensburg | $9,739 | $56,565 | $58,085 | $25,591 | 0.45 |
| 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 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.