Analysis
King's College graduates enter the workforce earning $61,680—well above both the national median for accounting programs ($53,694) and Pennsylvania's state median ($57,966). With debt of just $27,000, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 is manageable, allowing graduates to repay their investment relatively quickly. Among Pennsylvania's 76 accounting programs, King's ranks at the 60th percentile, a solid position that places it firmly in the state's upper tier, though not at the level of elite programs like Villanova or Lehigh.
The main concern is the slight earnings decline from year one to year four—a drop of about $2,100. This could reflect graduates moving between positions early in their careers or regional economic factors rather than program quality issues. Still, it's unusual for accounting majors, who typically see steady wage growth as they gain experience and complete CPA requirements.
For families seeking strong early career outcomes at a reasonable debt load, King's delivers. The combination of above-average starting salaries and below-average debt creates a favorable financial position. Just be aware that the earnings trajectory doesn't show the typical upward climb, which means those first-year earnings may represent something closer to a ceiling than a floor for many graduates.
Where King's College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How King's College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| King's College | $61,680 | $59,576 | -3% |
| Lehigh University | $77,026 | $95,363 | +24% |
| Bucknell University | $75,776 | $93,021 | +23% |
| Villanova University | $77,966 | $91,268 | +17% |
| University of Scranton | $70,453 | $85,314 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 King's CollegeWilkes-Barre | $42,600 | $61,680 | $59,576 | $27,000 | 0.44 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $77,966 | $91,268 | $25,858 | 0.33 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $77,026 | $95,363 | $23,179 | 0.30 |
 Bucknell UniversityLewisburg | $64,772 | $75,776 | $93,021 | $26,881 | 0.35 |
 University of ScrantonScranton | $52,309 | $70,453 | $85,314 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $70,069 | $76,765 | $28,832 | 0.41 |
| 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 King's College, approximately 27% 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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 58 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.