Accounting at Iona University

Iona's accounting graduates start well below both state and national benchmarks—at $46,266, they're earning about $5,000 less than New York's median and $7,400 below the national average for accounting majors. That 20th percentile national ranking is particularly concerning given that accounting is typically one of the more reliable pathways to middle-class earnings. However, the story shifts dramatically by year four, when median earnings jump to $74,580, essentially catching up to top programs like Syracuse and Binghamton.

This unusual earnings trajectory might reflect delayed entry into full accounting roles or the time needed to pass CPA exams, which dramatically increase earning potential. The $25,363 in debt is perfectly average for the field, translating to manageable monthly payments once graduates hit their stride. Within New York, this program sits squarely in the middle—40th percentile—suggesting it's neither an outlier nor a standout among the state's 76 accounting programs.

The major caveat here is sample size: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, one or two high earners could be skewing that impressive year-four number upward. For families comfortable with a slower initial launch in exchange for competitive mid-career earnings, this could work. But if immediate post-graduation income matters—perhaps to start paying down loans right away—stronger programs exist at similar price points across New York.