Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests manageable student loans, but the fuller picture for Kuyper's accounting program requires reading between the lines. Similar bachelor's accounting programs in Michigan typically produce first-year earnings around $52,700—solidly middle-of-the-pack nationally but trailing the state's stronger programs by $10,000 or more. With an estimated $27,000 in debt at graduation (slightly above Michigan's median for accounting), graduates would be looking at monthly payments around $300 on a standard repayment plan, consuming roughly 7% of gross income.
The gap between peer programs matters here. Michigan State and several regional competitors report outcomes in the low-60s, suggesting the state's accounting market rewards stronger institutional credentials or networks. Whether Kuyper's smaller environment and mission-focused education justify potentially lower starting salaries depends on fit and career goals, but parents should recognize that comparable programs produce a wide range of financial outcomes. The estimated figures here place this program at the median for Michigan accounting degrees—serviceable but not standout—and the debt load, while reasonable, still requires several years of disciplined repayment even at typical starting salaries.
Where Kuyper College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $26,390 | $52,668* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $15,988 | $65,965* | $75,633 | $23,250* | 0.35 | |
| $38,520 | $63,311* | — | —* | — | |
| $14,190 | $62,430* | $65,971 | $29,000* | 0.46 | |
| $55,746 | $62,266* | — | $27,000* | 0.43 | |
| — | $61,960* | $59,351 | $21,587* | 0.35 | |
| 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 Kuyper College, approximately 32% 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 25 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.