Analysis
Kansas State's accounting graduates start at $60,155—comfortably above both the national median ($53,694) and the Kansas median ($53,842). Within the state, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only Wichita State among major public universities and outpacing most competitors. The $24,250 in typical debt translates to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn roughly 2.5 times their debt load in their first year—a solid foundation for rapid payoff.
The 15% earnings growth over four years is steady rather than spectacular, but the starting salary advantage compounds over time. By year four, graduates earn nearly $69,000, maintaining their edge over peers from other Kansas schools. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonably reliable data without red flags about program scale.
For parents weighing state schools, Kansas State offers better placement outcomes than most Kansas accounting programs at similar or lower debt levels. The combination of strong starting salaries, manageable debt, and K-State's established reputation with regional employers makes this a straightforward investment for students targeting the Kansas job market or regional accounting firms.
Where Kansas State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Kansas State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University | $60,155 | $68,922 | +15% |
| Benedictine College | $58,320 | $68,559 | +18% |
| University of Kansas | $53,842 | $64,135 | +19% |
| Wichita State University | $59,448 | $63,799 | +7% |
| Friends University | $54,393 | $62,096 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kansas State UniversityManhattan | $10,942 | $60,155 | $68,922 | $24,250 | 0.40 |
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $59,448 | $63,799 | $22,250 | 0.37 |
 Benedictine CollegeAtchison | $34,800 | $58,320 | $68,559 | $20,500 | 0.35 |
 Fort Hays State UniversityHays | $5,633 | $56,503 | $44,024 | $26,000 | 0.46 |
 Washburn UniversityTopeka | $9,578 | $55,197 | $58,768 | $20,853 | 0.38 |
 Friends UniversityWichita | $32,748 | $54,393 | $62,096 | $31,250 | 0.57 |
| 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 Kansas State University, approximately 19% 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 57 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.