Accounting at Linfield University

Linfield's accounting program places graduates in solid earning territory—breaking into the top third nationally and the top half statewide—but the earnings trajectory tells an unusual story. Starting at nearly $59,000, graduates see essentially flat income growth over the next three years, adding just $1,000 by year four. Among Oregon's 15 accounting programs, Linfield matches up well against George Fox and University of Oregon, though the near-zero growth pattern warrants attention given that accounting typically rewards experience with steady raises.

The financial fundamentals work in your family's favor: $28,000 in debt against $59,000 in first-year earnings creates a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, well below what many programs carry. With debt sitting at the 23rd percentile nationally, your child would graduate owing less than most accounting majors elsewhere. The combination of reasonable borrowing and immediate earning power means loan payments shouldn't strain an entry-level budget.

The catch is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in this data—which means one or two outlier careers could skew these numbers significantly. The stagnant earnings growth could reflect recent graduates still finding their footing, or it might signal something about the regional job market or employer connections. For a private university program that positions students competitively from day one while keeping debt in check, this looks like a reasonable investment, though you'll want to dig into alumni outcomes and regional accounting firm relationships before committing.