Analysis
John Carroll's accounting graduates start strong at $62,145—outperforming three-quarters of accounting programs nationwide. That initial advantage holds up: within four years, median earnings climb 21% to $75,037, suggesting the program delivers both immediate market credibility and sustained career momentum. The $27,000 median debt sits comfortably below the national benchmark, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that most finance-minded parents would consider manageable—roughly five months of first-year salary.
The Ohio landscape tells an interesting story. While John Carroll ranks in the 60th percentile among the state's 57 accounting programs, it's competing against powerhouses like Case Western and Miami University. The university sits just $355 behind Ohio State's outcomes but with an 81% admission rate that suggests accessibility many flagships can't match. For context, John Carroll's graduates earn $5,700 more than Ohio's median for accounting programs, positioning it as a solid mid-tier performer in a competitive state market.
The bottom line: This program offers above-national performance at reasonable cost, ideal for students who want strong regional accounting credentials without the pressure of ultra-selective admissions. The earnings trajectory and manageable debt suggest graduates are successfully launching accounting careers, even if they're not quite reaching the elite tier reserved for Ohio's most selective programs.
Where John Carroll University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How John Carroll 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | +21% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | +25% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | +14% |
| Xavier University | $60,200 | $72,363 | +20% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 | |
| $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 | |
| $6,178 | $61,856 | $70,020 | $26,000 | 0.42 | |
| 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 John Carroll University, approximately 20% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 64 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.