Analysis
James Madison University's accounting program punches above its weight in a competitive Virginia market. Starting at $71,563, graduates earn 34% more than the typical Virginia accounting grad and land in the top 5% nationally—matching elite programs like University of Richmond despite JMU's 76% admission rate and more accessible profile.
The $22,484 in median debt is manageable, translating to a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio that keeps monthly payments reasonable from day one. While debt sits slightly higher than the national median (31st percentile), the strong earnings offset any concern. Four years out, graduates see steady income growth to $81,138, keeping pace with Washington and Lee's private school outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
Among Virginia's 32 accounting programs, JMU ranks in the 80th percentile—only the state's most selective private universities consistently outperform it. For families weighing in-state options, this program delivers Big Four accounting firm placement and CPA prep without the premium price tag of Richmond or the engineering-school atmosphere of Virginia Tech. The numbers suggest JMU has cracked the code on accounting education: rigorous preparation that employers value, without loading students with excessive debt.
Where James Madison University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How James Madison University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | $71,563 | $81,138 | +13% |
| Washington and Lee University | $81,625 | $101,332 | +24% |
| University of Richmond | $71,508 | $86,270 | +21% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $70,303 | $82,394 | +17% |
| George Mason University | $67,291 | $80,027 | +19% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $71,563 | $81,138 | $22,484 | 0.31 |
 Washington and Lee UniversityLexington | $64,525 | $81,625 | $101,332 | $16,750 | 0.21 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $71,508 | $86,270 | $20,757 | 0.29 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $70,303 | $82,394 | $18,500 | 0.26 |
 George Mason UniversityFairfax | $13,815 | $67,291 | $80,027 | $21,500 | 0.32 |
 Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond | $16,458 | $56,876 | $61,171 | $24,350 | 0.43 |
| 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 James Madison University, approximately 17% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 88 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.