Accounting at Culver-Stockton College

Culver-Stockton's accounting graduates start at $49,004—below both the national median ($53,694) and Missouri's median ($50,218), though they do manage to edge out the bottom third of Missouri programs. The gap becomes starker when you look at the state's stronger accounting schools: Mizzou graduates earn $16,000 more right out of the gate, and even mid-tier options like UCM come in $7,500 higher. For a program that places in the 40th percentile statewide, the debt load of $26,000 is reasonable but not remarkable.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means your child would owe roughly half their first year's salary—manageable for an accounting career that typically sees steady growth. However, the small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable than you'd find at larger programs. With a 98% admission rate and modest academic profile, Culver-Stockton serves as an access point to accounting credentials, but students willing to compete for admission elsewhere could likely secure better earning potential.

If your child has the grades for Truman State or Mizzou, those investments would pay off quickly. But if Culver-Stockton offers the right fit or accessibility, the debt burden won't be crushing—just understand you're trading some earning power for that entry point into the profession.