Analysis
Looking at comparable accounting programs across New York, Daemen's estimated outcomes—around $51,500 in first-year earnings against $25,400 in debt—land squarely at the state median. That's a 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio, which suggests graduates could manage their debt load with reasonable budgeting. The national benchmark for accounting bachelor's programs sits just slightly higher at $53,700, so this doesn't represent a major regional disadvantage.
What's harder to gauge is where Daemen graduates specifically fall within New York's wide spectrum of accounting outcomes. Top programs like Fordham and Syracuse report earnings above $75,000—nearly 50% more than the state median. Without Daemen's actual graduate data, it's unclear whether the university's lower admission standards and solid Pell enrollment (42% of students) translate to outcomes closer to elite programs or whether graduates face stiffer competition in the New York accounting market.
The practical bottom line: if your student has competitive offers from programs with reported data showing stronger earnings, those deserve serious consideration. If this is the accessible option that gets them a legitimate accounting credential without crushing debt, the estimated numbers suggest it could work—but you're betting on outcomes derived from peer schools rather than Daemen's proven track record. Ask the admissions office directly about CPA pass rates and employer relationships; those concrete indicators matter more than estimates when you're writing the check.
Where Daemen University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,724 | $51,525* | — | $25,363* | — | |
| $61,992 | $76,473* | $96,453 | $23,970* | 0.31 | |
| $63,061 | $75,294* | $85,784 | $27,000* | 0.36 | |
| $10,363 | $74,151* | $84,365 | $19,500* | 0.26 | |
| $46,140 | $71,436* | $79,786 | $23,250* | 0.33 | |
| $37,840 | $70,344* | $84,281 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Daemen University, approximately 42% 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 45 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.