Accounting at Hamline University

Minnesota's accounting programs typically start graduates around $58,000, and by that measure, outcomes here appear aligned with state norms—though it's worth noting that comparable programs at other Twin Cities private schools report first-year earnings closer to $65,000. The estimated $26,942 in debt sits right at the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that suggests manageable repayment under standard plans.

The four-year earnings figure of $69,388 offers some reassurance about progression, though this represents actual data from Hamline graduates who stuck with the field. That trajectory matters for an accounting degree, where professional credentials and experience drive compensation more than the undergraduate institution itself. The question is whether that $7,000 gap in starting salary compared to University of St. Thomas or Bethel persists, or whether it closes as graduates gain their CPA and advance through similar career paths.

Given the uncertainty around these estimates, the practical consideration is straightforward: if your child is choosing Hamline primarily for fit or other programs while adding accounting, these projected outcomes suggest reasonable value. If they're selecting it specifically for accounting, visiting career services to understand actual placement rates and asking about CPA pass rates would clarify whether graduates are reaching that $69,000 mark through traditional accounting careers or alternative paths.