Accounting at Liberty University

Liberty University's accounting graduates start at $51,541 annually—below both the Virginia median ($53,318) and national average ($53,694). This ranks exactly at the 40th percentile nationally and in-state, meaning six out of ten comparable programs deliver better starting salaries. With top Virginia schools like James Madison ($71,563) and Virginia Tech ($70,303) placing graduates $15,000-$20,000 higher, the earnings gap is substantial for in-state families comparing options.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $32,183, graduates carry more than the national median but less than what many comparable programs require. The 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio means students borrow roughly seven months of their first-year salary—manageable territory for accounting graduates who typically see steady career trajectories. Earnings do climb 13% by year four, reaching $58,047, though this still trails the stronger programs significantly.

The reality: this is a middle-of-the-road accounting program that won't close doors but won't open as many as Virginia's top tier. The near-universal admission rate (99%) means accessibility, but your child would be accepting lower earning potential compared to most alternatives. If financial aid makes Liberty significantly cheaper than JMU or Virginia Tech, it becomes defensible. Otherwise, the $10,000-$15,000 annual earnings difference compounds quickly over a career—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars—making the higher-ranked state options worth serious consideration despite potentially higher upfront costs.