Accounting at Herzing University-Orlando

First-year earnings of $49,538 place this program below both state and national medians for accounting bachelor's degrees, landing in the 31st percentile nationally and 40th in Florida. For context, Florida's top accounting programs produce graduates earning $55,000 to $65,000 in their first year—a gap of $6,000 to $16,000 annually. The estimated debt load of $25,250, derived from similar programs at Herzing's Florida campuses, yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans with about half their first year's salary.

The 9% earnings growth from year one to year four is modest but steady, pushing median pay to $54,212—closer to the state median but still trailing peer institutions. With 60% of students receiving Pell grants, Herzing clearly serves students who need financial aid, but the earnings data suggests graduates may face a tougher competitive position in Florida's accounting job market compared to those from larger public universities.

The takeaway: This program provides access to an accounting credential at a debt level that won't be crushing, but the earnings trajectory suggests graduates will likely start in the lower tier of Florida's accounting market. Parents should weigh whether the lower barriers to entry justify potentially earning $5,000-$10,000 less annually than peers from nearby public universities—a difference that compounds significantly over a career.