Accounting at Hofstra University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Hofstra's accounting program punches well above its weight, placing graduates at $68,256 after one year—outperforming 95% of accounting programs nationwide and beating the New York state median by over $16,000. Among the 76 accounting programs in New York, this lands in the 80th percentile, a strong position for a university with a 71% admission rate. The debt picture is equally encouraging: at roughly $25,000, it matches typical borrowing for this field while delivering top-tier outcomes.
The 19% earnings growth to $81,000 by year four suggests graduates are advancing into solid mid-career accounting roles, whether in public accounting, corporate finance, or advisory services. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means students can reasonably pay off loans while building financial stability. While Hofstra's graduates trail the very top programs like Fordham and Syracuse by about $7,000-8,000, they're competing effectively with schools like Molloy and substantially outperforming the typical New York accounting graduate.
For families seeking CPA-track credentials without elite university price tags or admission hurdles, Hofstra delivers measurable value. The combination of strong earnings, manageable debt, and solid upward trajectory makes this a financially sound choice for students serious about accounting careers in the New York market.
Where Hofstra University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Hofstra University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Hofstra University graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hofstra University | $68,256 | $80,990 | $24,958 | 0.37 |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 |
| Marist University | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 |
| Molloy University | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University Bronx | $61,992 | $76,473 | $23,970 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $75,294 | $27,000 |
| Binghamton University Vestal | $10,363 | $74,151 | $19,500 |
| Marist University Poughkeepsie | $46,140 | $71,436 | $23,250 |
| Molloy University Rockville Centre | $37,840 | $70,344 | $27,000 |
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 Hofstra University, approximately 24% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 48 graduates with reported earnings and 88 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.