Analysis
Based on peer accounting programs across New York, first-year earnings around $51,500 with roughly $25,400 in debt creates a manageable starting pointβa debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments. However, this estimated picture masks significant variation in New York's accounting market, where top programs produce first-year earnings approaching $75,000. The gap between what similar programs typically deliver and what the state's strongest programs achieve is substantial.
The challenge isn't affordability in absolute termsβthese estimated debt levels align closely with both state and national medians for accounting bachelor's degrees. Rather, it's the competitive landscape. Dominican's 79% admission rate and mid-range SAT profile suggest it serves a different market than Fordham or Syracuse, but accounting is a credential-focused field where CPA exam passage and firm connections matter enormously. Without specific outcomes data from Dominican's own graduates, you're relying on state-wide patterns that include everything from community college transfers to elite private universities.
For a practical accounting career, this estimated debt level won't derail your child's plans if the earnings materialize as projected. But press the school directly about CPA exam pass rates, Big Four recruitment, and where their specific graduates actually landβthose concrete details matter far more than state-wide estimates when the gap between typical and top-tier programs runs $20,000 annually.
Where Dominican University New York 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $33,060 | $51,525* | β | $25,363* | β | |
| $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 | β | $53,694* | β | $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 Dominican University New York, approximately 41% 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.