Analysis
Tennessee's accounting programs cluster tightly around $52,000 in first-year earnings, and the estimates for this program align with that state pattern—landing right at the median. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates would dedicate less than half their first-year salary to total borrowing, which positions this program as more affordable than many private college options. Le Moyne-Owen serves a predominantly Pell-eligible student population (71%), so these estimated debt levels matter considerably for families without financial cushions.
The challenge lies in context: accounting programs at nearby Tennessee State, Lee, and UT-Knoxville all report actual earnings in the $53,000-$54,000 range with similar debt loads. While the estimated figures here suggest comparable outcomes, you're working with projections based on peer programs rather than verified graduate data from Le Moyne-Owen specifically. For a field as standardized as accounting—where CPA credentials matter more than institutional prestige—the program could deliver solid value if it provides adequate exam preparation and local networking access in Memphis's job market.
The practical question is whether this program offers clear advantages over Tennessee's public universities, which report actual outcomes and typically cost less. If Le Moyne-Owen provides smaller class sizes, personalized advising, or stronger connections to Memphis-area employers, the estimated debt burden appears manageable. Without that differentiation, families might find more certainty at schools with published track records.
Where Le Moyne-Owen College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,076 | $51,694* | — | $23,491* | — | |
| $8,568 | $53,620* | $50,033 | $29,250* | 0.55 | |
| $22,690 | $53,577* | $70,035 | $16,750* | 0.31 | |
| $13,484 | $53,197* | $71,799 | $22,000* | 0.41 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| $9,506 | $51,963* | $59,969 | $24,553* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Le Moyne-Owen College, approximately 71% 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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.