Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,842
Est. from KS median (13 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$33,552
Est. from KS median (6 programs)

Analysis

Kansas accounting programs show fairly consistent outcomes, but the estimated $33,552 debt load here is notably higher than typical for the field. Based on comparable programs in Kansas, graduates might expect first-year earnings around $53,842—right at the state median—but that debt figure sits roughly $8,000 above what most Kansas accounting students carry. For context, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means paying back about seven months of gross salary, which is manageable but not ideal when similar programs produce the same earnings with less borrowing.

The larger concern is competitive positioning. Kansas State and Wichita State graduates—from programs with actual reported data—earn $6,000-$7,000 more in their first year while typically carrying less debt. Even other private Kansas schools appear to deliver better outcomes. With 41% of Kansas Wesleyan students receiving Pell grants, that higher debt burden hits first-generation and lower-income students particularly hard.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Kansas Wesleyan offers something unique worth the premium. The accounting credential itself should provide solid employability—it's a practical degree with clear career paths. But based on peer program outcomes, you're looking at potentially paying more for similar earnings to the state average, which makes the financial return less compelling than alternatives within Kansas.

Where Kansas Wesleyan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Kansas Wesleyan UniversitySalina$33,470$53,842*$33,552*
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
National Median$53,694*$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Kansas Wesleyan University, approximately 41% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.