Accounting at Madonna University

With $27,000 in estimated debt against first-year earnings around $52,700, Madonna's accounting program tracks closely with both Michigan and national norms for this degree. Based on comparable programs statewide, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 sits in manageable territory—slightly above the national median debt of $25,000, but paired with earnings that meet typical expectations for accounting graduates.

The challenge lies in context: Michigan's accounting landscape shows significant variance in outcomes. Top programs in the state produce graduates earning $62,000 to $66,000 in their first year—roughly $10,000 more than what similar programs to Madonna's suggest. For an accounting degree, where certification paths and employer networks matter considerably, that gap isn't trivial over a career trajectory. The 93% admission rate and modest test scores indicate Madonna serves a different student population than Michigan State or Central Michigan, but those same students could potentially access stronger accounting programs elsewhere in the state.

Your child could reasonably pay off this estimated debt load on typical accounting salaries, assuming the actual outcomes align with state peers. But before committing, compare financial aid packages from Michigan's higher-earning accounting programs—many accept similar student profiles and could deliver meaningfully better return on investment in a field where starting salary strongly influences long-term earnings potential.