Accounting at Eastern Illinois University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Eastern Illinois University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Eastern Illinois University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (42 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Illinois University | $48,070 | $70,108 | $23,974 | 0.50 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $74,731 | $80,736 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $70,831 | $85,000 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $69,965 | $82,642 | $22,125 | 0.32 |
| DePaul University | $69,250 | $80,614 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
| Bradley University | $65,842 | $72,938 | $26,925 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $16,004 | $74,731 | $20,500 |
| Illinois Wesleyan University Bloomington | $55,704 | $70,831 | $27,000 |
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago | $51,716 | $69,965 | $22,125 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $44,460 | $69,250 | $24,500 |
| Bradley University Peoria | $39,680 | $65,842 | $26,925 |
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.