Analysis
Manhattan University's accounting graduates earn $68,992 in their first year—substantially more than both the national median ($53,694) and the New York state median ($51,525). Among 76 New York programs, this lands in the 80th percentile, placing it just below heavy hitters like Fordham and Syracuse but ahead of the vast majority of in-state options. For a school with a 78% admission rate and modest SAT scores, these outcomes punch well above the institution's selectivity tier.
The debt picture is reasonable at $24,984, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36—meaning graduates owe roughly one-third of their first-year salary. That's manageable territory for accounting, a field with clear professional pathways and steady demand. The program delivers strong outcomes without the premium pricing you'd find at more selective universities.
The major caveat: this data comes from a small cohort, so individual circumstances can swing these numbers significantly. But if these figures hold, this represents solid value—strong New York-area earnings without the debt load of pricier alternatives. For students who can get admitted to Fordham or Syracuse, those might edge ahead. For everyone else looking at New York accounting programs, Manhattan deserves serious consideration as a high-performing option at a moderate price point.
Where Manhattan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Manhattan University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,850 | $68,992 | — | $24,984 | 0.36 | |
| $61,992 | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 | |
| $63,061 | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 | |
| $10,363 | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 | |
| $46,140 | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 | |
| $37,840 | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $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 Manhattan 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.
Sample Size: Based on 26 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.