Analysis
For an accounting bachelor's degree at Herzing, graduates start at $49,538βnearly $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 $54,212βstill 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 gapβroughly $13,000 annually compared to Ohio State or Miami gradsβadds 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,420 | $49,538 | $54,212 | $27,000* | β | |
| $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000* | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000* | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284* | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000* | 0.43 | |
| 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 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.