Analysis
Without reported graduate outcomes, we're relying on what Pennsylvania's accounting programs typically produce—around $58,000 in first-year earnings against $27,000 in debt. That 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within manageable territory, suggesting graduates could reasonably handle loan payments while building their careers. Pennsylvania's accounting programs cluster tightly around these figures, which provide a useful baseline even when specific outcomes aren't available.
The challenge is that Pennsylvania's accounting landscape shows significant variation at the top end. Villanova and Lehigh graduates start around $77,000—nearly $20,000 more than the typical program. While Immaculata's 78% admission rate and moderate academic profile suggest it serves a different market than these selective competitors, parents should recognize that accounting credentials don't produce uniform outcomes. The field rewards both the credential and where you earn it.
The practical question is whether $27,000 in debt makes sense for estimated mid-$50,000 earnings. By national accounting standards, these numbers align reasonably well—Pennsylvania's median matches the state benchmark exactly and exceeds the national figure. If your child is committed to accounting and Immaculata offers the right fit and support structure, the debt load shouldn't be prohibitive. Just understand you're working with typical state outcomes, not demonstrated results from this specific program's track record.
Where Immaculata University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,550 | $57,966* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $64,701 | $77,966* | $91,268 | $25,858* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $77,026* | $95,363 | $23,179* | 0.30 | |
| $64,772 | $75,776* | $93,021 | $26,881* | 0.35 | |
| $52,309 | $70,453* | $85,314 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $60,663 | $70,069* | $76,765 | $28,832* | 0.41 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694* | — | $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 Immaculata University, approximately 21% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 42 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.