Median Earnings (1yr)
$49,538
31st percentile
40th percentile in Ohio
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from OH median (17 programs)

Analysis

For an accounting bachelor's degree at Herzing, graduates start at $49,538β€”nearly $7,000 below the Ohio median for this major and $4,000 below the national benchmark. The program serves primarily Pell-eligible students (78%), and while actual debt figures aren't available, similar programs at Herzing's Ohio locations typically carry about $27,000 in loans. That puts the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio at a manageable 0.55, which isn't alarming for a professional degree that should provide stable employment.

The concern is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, graduates reach $54,212β€”still thousands below what peers from Ohio State, Miami, or even mid-tier state schools earn in their first year. Accounting is one of the more standardized paths in business, where credentials and exam passage matter significantly, so lagging this far behind state peers raises questions about whether employers view this degree as equivalent. The nearly open admission rate (94%) suggests Herzing prioritizes access over selectivity, which serves an important mission but may affect employer perception.

Your child can certainly become an accountant through this program, but they'll likely start behind graduates from Ohio's public universities who often carry similar debt. If comparable state schools are accessible, the earnings gapβ€”roughly $13,000 annually compared to Ohio State or Miami gradsβ€”adds up to substantial money over a career. If Herzing offers unique scheduling flexibility or support services your family needs, factor that into the equation, but recognize the financial trade-off in starting salary.

Where Herzing University-Akron Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Herzing University-Akron graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Herzing University-Akron$49,538$54,212+9%
Case Western Reserve University$67,830$78,857+16%
Ohio State University-Main Campus$62,399$77,705+25%
Miami University-Oxford$67,743$77,503+14%
John Carroll University$62,145$75,037+21%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Herzing University-AkronAkron$13,420$49,538$54,212$27,000*β€”
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$67,830$78,857$25,000*0.37
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$67,743$77,503$23,000*0.34
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$65,127$72,243$27,000*0.41
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$62,399$77,705$23,284*0.37
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights$49,100$62,145$75,037$27,000*0.43
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Herzing University-Akron, approximately 78% 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.