Est. Earnings (1yr)
$52,668
Est. from MI median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from MI median (11 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Kuyper CollegeGrand Rapids$26,390$52,668*$27,000*
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing$15,988$65,965*$75,633$23,250*0.35
Aquinas CollegeGrand Rapids$38,520$63,311**
Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant$14,190$62,430*$65,971$29,000*0.46
Albion CollegeAlbion$55,746$62,266*$27,000*0.43
Walsh CollegeTroy$61,960*$59,351$21,587*0.35
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 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.