Accounting at Herzing University-Kenosha

Wisconsin's accounting programs typically produce first-year earnings around $57,000, but Herzing-Kenosha's graduates start considerably lower at $49,538—about $7,000 below the state median and $4,000 below the national benchmark. The estimated $27,000 in debt from similar programs at this institution keeps the debt-to-earnings ratio manageable at 0.55, meaning graduates would theoretically dedicate about seven months of gross income to repay their loans. However, the gap between Herzing's outcomes and Wisconsin's stronger accounting programs is substantial: UW-Madison grads earn nearly $20,000 more in their first year.

The 9% earnings growth to $54,212 by year four suggests modest career progression, but even this improved figure falls short of where most Wisconsin accounting graduates start. For a field known for relatively standardized credentials and predictable career paths, this disparity matters. With 62% of students receiving Pell grants, Herzing serves a population that can least afford underwhelming returns.

For parents weighing options, the real question is opportunity cost. If your child can access one of Wisconsin's public universities—where outcomes are substantially better and costs often comparable—that's the clearer path. Herzing's program might work for students with significant geographic or scheduling constraints, but the earnings data from comparable programs suggests it won't compete with the state's established accounting programs when it comes to launching careers.