Analysis
Pennsylvania's accounting programs cluster around $58,000 in first-year earnings, and East Stroudsburg appears positioned right in that middle tier—well above the national median for accounting graduates but significantly behind the state's elite private universities. The estimated $25,299 in debt suggests borrowing below both the state and national medians for this field, which matters when your income starts at similar levels to peers who may have borrowed more.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 indicates manageable financial pressure for an accounting graduate. Similar programs in Pennsylvania typically see students able to service their loans on less than half a year's income, which is reasonable for a field with clear professional pathways and licensing opportunities. However, the gap between East Stroudsburg's estimated outcomes and those at Villanova or Lehigh—where graduates earn $20,000 more from the start—is substantial enough to affect career trajectory, particularly if Big Four accounting firms or competitive corporate positions are the goal.
For families prioritizing value and debt management in accounting, these estimates suggest East Stroudsburg performs competitively within Pennsylvania's public university system. But recognize you're working with peer program data here—the actual outcomes for this specific cohort could vary. If your student is capable of admission to the higher-earning programs (several require much stronger academic credentials), the earnings premium may justify exploring those options alongside the more accessible path at East Stroudsburg.
Where East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $11,036 | $57,966* | — | $25,299* | — | |
| $64,701 | $77,966* | $91,268 | $25,858* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $77,026* | $95,363 | $23,179* | 0.30 | |
| $64,772 | $75,776* | $93,021 | $26,881* | 0.35 | |
| $52,309 | $70,453* | $85,314 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $60,663 | $70,069* | $76,765 | $28,832* | 0.41 | |
| 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 East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, approximately 40% 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 42 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.