Accounting at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Indiana Wesleyan's associate accounting program produces first-year earnings of $52,576—42% above the national median and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. Among Indiana's 13 accounting programs, graduates here out-earn every competitor, including Purdue Global by nearly $14,000. The $24,956 in median debt sits at the national 16th percentile (lower than 84% of programs), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.47. That means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, which is exceptionally manageable for an associate degree program.

The concerning element is the 4% earnings dip between years one and four, dropping from $52,576 to $50,545. This isn't catastrophic—graduates still earn well above state and national medians even four years out—but it's unusual for accounting, where experience typically commands higher pay. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty here; this pattern may reflect a few career changers rather than a systemic issue.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers the strongest initial earnings outcome in Indiana with below-average debt. The slight earnings decline warrants attention, but graduates start from such a strong position that they maintain a significant advantage over peers elsewhere. If your student can access this program at typical in-state rates, the combination of manageable debt and top-tier initial placement makes it a solid value despite the earnings trajectory question.