Accounting at Lee University

Lee University's accounting program manages to achieve something fairly rare: graduates carry just $16,750 in debt—far below both the Tennessee median ($23,250) and national average ($25,000). That's roughly 5% of graduates nationwide who finish with less debt, making this one of the most affordable accounting programs you'll find. The first-year earnings of $53,577 land right at the national average, though more impressively, they're above 60% of Tennessee accounting programs despite Lee's modest selectivity.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. Four years out, graduates average $70,035—a 31% jump that suggests these accountants are finding their footing in the profession. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means graduates owe about four months of salary, which is manageable territory for repayment. However, there's an important asterisk: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest.

For a Tennessee family weighing in-state options, Lee offers a practical combination—below-average debt with middle-of-the-pack earnings that grow respectably over time. It won't compete with UT-Knoxville's brand recognition, but you're looking at similar starting salaries with notably less debt to service. That's a worthwhile tradeoff if your student is certain about accounting and values graduating with breathing room in their budget.