Accounting at Marywood University

Pennsylvania's accounting programs cluster tightly around the state median, and similar schools in the state typically see graduates carrying about $27,000 in debt—roughly half their first-year earnings. This debt-to-income ratio sits comfortably in manageable territory, though the four-year earnings figure of $62,205 shows limited salary progression, suggesting accounting roles here may not match the growth trajectories found at higher-tier institutions.

The real question for Marywood is competitive positioning. While peer programs across Pennsylvania typically produce starting salaries around $58,000, the state's top accounting programs—Villanova, Lehigh, Bucknell—generate first-year earnings $15,000 to $20,000 higher. That gap compounds over a career. Still, at an 84% admission rate, Marywood serves a different student market than these selective schools, and the debt load remains reasonable for the field.

The practical takeaway: accounting offers solid, predictable employment outcomes, and estimated figures for comparable Pennsylvania programs suggest manageable debt. But probe what distinguishes Marywood's program—CPA exam pass rates, Big Four recruiting presence, alumni network strength in northeastern PA—because at this price point, the credential needs to deliver tangible career access, not just acceptable numbers.