Est. Earnings (1yr)
$51,694
Est. from TN median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,491
Est. from TN median (4 programs)

Analysis

Similar accounting programs across Tennessee suggest Lincoln Memorial's bachelor's degree produces outcomes right in line with state norms—estimated first-year earnings around $51,700 against roughly $23,500 in debt. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable by accounting standards, where solid starting salaries typically make loan repayment straightforward.

What's encouraging here is the consistency: Tennessee accounting graduates from programs like UT-Knoxville, Middle Tennessee State, and Lee University all cluster in the low-to-mid $50,000s for first-year earnings, suggesting the state's accounting job market offers relatively stable entry points regardless of where you earn the credential. Lincoln Memorial's estimated outcomes track with this pattern, though they sit slightly below the national median of $53,700. The debt load appears lighter than the national benchmark of $25,000, which helps offset the somewhat lower earnings.

The uncertainty around these specific estimates matters more if your student has compelling alternatives with actual reported data. If they're choosing between Lincoln Memorial and one of Tennessee's larger programs with documented outcomes in the $52,000-$53,000 range, that's worth exploring. But if location, fit, or financial aid make Lincoln Memorial the frontrunner, the broader Tennessee accounting picture suggests reasonable economic fundamentals—just recognize you're making that call based on peer program performance rather than this school's track record.

Where Lincoln Memorial University 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate$26,150$51,694*$23,491*
Tennessee State UniversityNashville$8,568$53,620*$50,033$29,250*0.55
Lee UniversityCleveland$22,690$53,577*$70,035$16,750*0.31
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$53,197*$71,799$22,000*0.41
Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis$13,920$52,373*$56,398$54,989*1.05
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$51,963*$59,969$24,553*0.47
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 Lincoln Memorial University, approximately 36% 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.