Accounting at Loyola University New Orleans

At $26,588 in estimated debt against projected first-year earnings of $46,458, this program's financial profile aligns with similar Louisiana accounting programs—but not with what top-performing schools in the state actually deliver. LSU's accounting graduates earn $56,910 their first year, creating a $10,000+ gap that compounds over a career. Even regional state universities like ULM and Southeastern Louisiana produce higher earnings while typically charging less than a private institution like Loyola.

The 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, suggesting about seven months of gross income to cover what you'd borrow. But that calculation assumes the state median holds true here, and accounting is a field where credential strength matters—employers recognize names, and smaller programs at private schools don't always compete well with larger state schools that dominate local recruiting. The $46,458 estimate also trails the national median of $53,694 by $7,000, raising questions about whether a Louisiana credential from a selective-access school justifies private tuition.

For a practical major like accounting, where CPA exam passage and first-job placement drive outcomes, you're betting on Loyola's smaller classes and career services to overcome what appears to be a regional earnings ceiling. Before committing, get concrete placement data: which firms recruit here, what percentage pass the CPA on first attempt, and whether graduates stay competitive with LSU alumni in the New Orleans market.