Median Earnings (1yr)
$62,145
80th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights$49,100$62,145$75,037$27,0000.43
Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland$64,671$67,830$78,857$25,0000.37
Miami University-OxfordOxford$17,809$67,743$77,503$23,0000.34
University of DaytonDayton$47,600$65,127$72,243$27,0000.41
Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus$12,859$62,399$77,705$23,2840.37
Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville$6,178$61,856$70,020$26,0000.42
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.