Accounting at Furman University

Furman's accounting program sits in challenging territory: estimated first-year earnings of $52,373 fall below what top SC programs like Bob Jones ($59,332) and USC-Columbia ($59,283) report, yet the estimated debt load of $23,936 is lighter than the state median. For a selective liberal arts institution with an average SAT of 1364 and just 11% of students on Pell grants, these numbers based on comparable South Carolina programs suggest Furman's accounting graduates may not be seeing the career premium that typically comes with attending a more prestigious school.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 looks manageable on paper, and by year four earnings do climb to $61,002—suggesting decent career progression. However, that starting salary essentially matches the state median for all accounting programs, meaning graduates are beginning their careers on par with peers from less selective institutions. When you're paying for Furman's liberal arts experience and smaller class sizes, you'd hope for stronger initial placement.

The real question for your family: is the Furman brand and campus experience worth starting at similar earnings to state school graduates while carrying comparable debt? If your child wants accounting specifically and cost matters, the numbers suggest they might achieve similar financial outcomes elsewhere in South Carolina. If they value Furman's broader educational environment and the accounting degree is part of a larger plan, the debt burden at least remains reasonable enough to manage.