Accounting at Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb's accounting program starts behind the curve and never quite catches up. First-year graduates earn $44,261—below both the national median ($53,694) and North Carolina's state median ($48,489). While this puts the program in the 40th percentile among NC accounting programs, it's only the 15th percentile nationally. Compare this to nearby competitors: Elon graduates earn 58% more, and even NC State and Appalachian State graduates start nearly $12,000 higher.

The debt load of $27,000 is slightly above state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 that's manageable but not impressive. The 25% earnings growth to $55,487 by year four is solid and suggests the degree does build value over time, but graduates are essentially spending their first few years catching up to where peers at stronger programs start. The 87% admission rate signals accessibility, though that openness doesn't translate to standout outcomes.

For a North Carolina resident, this program delivers below-median results in a state with 37 accounting options—including several public universities that offer stronger earning potential at similar or lower cost. Unless financial aid significantly reduces the sticker price or location is a deciding factor, stronger in-state alternatives exist at schools like NC State or Appalachian State that better position graduates from day one.