Accounting at DeVry University-Virginia

DeVry University-Virginia's accounting program charges roughly twice the debt of typical Virginia accounting programs ($54,380 vs. $25,812 state median), yet delivers nearly flat earnings over the first four years post-graduation. While starting salaries of $54,264 place graduates slightly above both state and national medians—ranking 60th percentile in Virginia—that initial edge vanishes when you factor in the debt load. A 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe nearly their entire first year's salary, a concerning starting point for building financial stability.

The lack of earnings growth compounds the problem. Most accounting graduates see meaningful salary increases as they gain experience and professional credentials, but this cohort shows essentially zero movement from year one to year four. Meanwhile, Virginia offers significantly stronger alternatives: James Madison and Virginia Tech graduates earn $70,000+, and even George Mason tops $67,000—all typically with half the debt burden. DeVry's open-admission policy serves students who might not access traditional universities, but that access comes at a steep premium.

For families considering this program, the math is straightforward: you're taking on double the typical debt for median outcomes that don't improve over time. Unless your student has specific circumstances limiting other options, Virginia's public universities deliver substantially better return on investment for accounting degrees.