Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs across Massachusetts, Gordon students likely enter the workforce earning around $65,000βroughly matching the state median but trailing the region's strongest programs by $7,000 to $10,000 annually. With an estimated debt load of about $27,000, the financial fundamentals appear solid: graduates would owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable ratio for a professional field like accounting where credentials and licensure create clear career pathways.
The challenge is that these figures come from peer institutions rather than Gordon's own graduates, making it difficult to assess what differentiates this particular program beyond its liberal arts setting. Massachusetts accounting programs show considerable variationβfrom UMass-Amherst's $67,500 to Holy Cross's $73,000βsuggesting that institutional reputation, alumni networks, and regional employer relationships significantly impact outcomes. Gordon's 1268 average SAT score indicates solid academic preparation, but whether that translates to competitive Big Four placements or Boston-area opportunities remains unclear without program-specific data.
For families evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable rather than exceptional value. If your student wants an accounting degree within a Christian liberal arts environment and can graduate near the $27,000 debt estimate, the fundamentals work. Just recognize you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at schools with published outcomes, and a $10,000 earnings gap compared to top Massachusetts programs compounds meaningfully over a career.
Where Gordon College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (26 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,100 | $65,304* | β | $26,966* | β | |
| $67,680 | $75,512* | $98,724 | $18,000* | 0.24 | |
| $60,850 | $73,234* | β | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $58,150 | $72,823* | $83,486 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $39,212 | $68,483* | $78,896 | β* | β | |
| $17,357 | $67,574* | $85,464 | $23,250* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $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 Gordon College, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.