Analysis
Eastern Illinois University's accounting program starts below state and national averages but makes up substantial ground through impressive mid-career growth. While first-year earnings of $48,070 trail Illinois' median by $6,600 and rank in the 40th percentile statewide, graduates see a remarkable 46% jump to $70,108 by year four—putting them within striking distance of prestigious programs like Illinois Wesleyan and Loyola. The debt load of $23,974 sits slightly below both state and national averages, creating a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves dramatically as careers progress.
This trajectory suggests the program may appeal to students who value long-term outcomes over immediate post-graduation salaries. The gap between EIU and top-tier Illinois programs like UIUC ($74,731) remains significant, but the difference narrows considerably after several years in the workforce. For families weighing the trade-off between a selective admissions environment and steady career advancement, this pattern of delayed but substantial earnings growth offers a practical path to accounting success without excessive debt burden.
Where Eastern Illinois University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Illinois University | $48,070 | $70,108 | +46% |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $70,831 | $85,000 | +20% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $69,965 | $82,642 | +18% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $74,731 | $80,736 | +8% |
| DePaul University | $69,250 | $80,614 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston | $13,403 | $48,070 | $70,108 | $23,974 | 0.50 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $74,731 | $80,736 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
 Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington | $55,704 | $70,831 | $85,000 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Loyola University ChicagoChicago | $51,716 | $69,965 | $82,642 | $22,125 | 0.32 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $69,250 | $80,614 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $65,842 | $72,938 | $26,925 | 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 Eastern Illinois University, approximately 31% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.