Accounting at John Carroll University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How John Carroll University graduates compare to all programs nationally
John Carroll University graduates earn $62k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 |
| University of Dayton | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus | $61,856 | $70,020 | $26,000 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University Cleveland | $64,671 | $67,830 | $25,000 |
| Miami University-Oxford Oxford | $17,809 | $67,743 | $23,000 |
| University of Dayton Dayton | $47,600 | $65,127 | $27,000 |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus | $12,859 | $62,399 | $23,284 |
| Ohio University-Eastern Campus Saint Clairsville | $6,178 | $61,856 | $26,000 |
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.