Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs in Ohio, Malone's estimated outcomes align closely with state mediansβ$56,441 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debt. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates would dedicate less than half a year's salary to loan repayment, which falls within reasonable bounds for a professional credential. The challenge is that accounting is a fairly standardized field where employers often recruit from a range of schools, and the estimated earnings here trail programs at Case Western ($67,830), Miami University ($67,743), and Ohio State ($62,399) by $6,000 to $11,000 annually.
The gap matters because accounting firms increasingly concentrate recruiting at specific target schools, and starting salary can set the trajectory for the first decade of a career. If Malone's actual placement patterns lean toward smaller regional firms or internal corporate accounting roles rather than Big Four pipelines, that positioning may explain the differenceβbut prospective students should verify where recent graduates actually landed. The debt load appears manageable either way, but the return on investment depends heavily on whether this specific program opens doors to the opportunities your family is targeting.
The straightforward question: Can you confirm where Malone accounting graduates get hired, and does that match your child's career goals? Without reported data specific to this program, you're making decisions based on state averages that may or may not reflect Malone's actual track record.
Where Malone University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,120 | $56,441* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $64,671 | $67,830* | $78,857 | $25,000* | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743* | $77,503 | $23,000* | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127* | $72,243 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399* | $77,705 | $23,284* | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145* | $75,037 | $27,000* | 0.43 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Malone University, approximately 31% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.