Accounting at Fairfield University

Fairfield's accounting graduates command impressive starting salaries of $71,747—well above the national median of $53,694 and the Connecticut median of $65,660. However, context matters: while this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, it sits at only the 60th percentile within Connecticut, a state with unusually strong accounting programs. Graduates from Quinnipiac and the UConn system earn notably more, suggesting Fairfield occupies a middle tier among Connecticut accounting schools despite its strong national showing.

The debt picture is favorable at $26,633, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—meaning graduates need roughly five months of salary to cover their borrowing. Strong 25% earnings growth to nearly $90,000 by year four reinforces that these graduates build solid career trajectories. The caveat? This data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly from these medians.

For families who can afford Fairfield's tuition (only 7% receive Pell grants), this program delivers solid value with manageable debt and earnings that quickly rise into comfortable territory. But if minimizing cost matters, Connecticut families should know they have several in-state alternatives offering similar or better outcomes, particularly the UConn campuses which provide comparable earnings at public school prices.