Accounting at Drexel University

Drexel's accounting program commands a premium price but delivers outcomes that justify it—at least compared to the national landscape. With first-year earnings of $70,069, graduates substantially outpace the national median of $53,694 and even the 75th percentile nationwide. The debt load of $28,832 translates to a 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first year's salary—a comfortable position for launching a career.

However, the Pennsylvania context reveals this isn't quite the elite outcome the national numbers suggest. At the 60th percentile among PA accounting programs, Drexel sits firmly in the middle of the pack statewide, trailing programs like Villanova ($77,966) and Lehigh ($77,026) by meaningful margins. This makes sense given Drexel's 78% admission rate—it's accessible but not highly selective. The 10% earnings growth to $76,765 by year four is steady but unremarkable, suggesting graduates land solid corporate accounting roles rather than fast-track positions.

For Pennsylvania families, the calculation depends on alternatives. If your child is choosing between Drexel and a regional state school, the outcomes clearly favor Drexel. But if they're competitive for Villanova or similar programs, this represents the acceptable-but-not-exceptional middle ground. The co-op program likely explains some of the strong placement, making this particularly suitable for students who benefit from structured work experience before graduation.