Est. Earnings (1yr)
$47,089
Est. from AL median (14 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,588
Est. from national median (312 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable accounting programs in Alabama, Miles College graduates can expect starting salaries around $47,000β€”putting them roughly $6,000 behind the national median but squarely in line with state norms. The estimated $26,600 in debt produces a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary. For a school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (76%), these numbers suggest the program delivers solid middle-class entry points without overwhelming debt burdens.

However, context matters here. Auburn and Alabama graduates from similar programs are starting $6,000-$13,000 higher, which compounds significantly over a career. If your child has competitive academic credentials, comparing net costs after aid becomes crucialβ€”a higher sticker price at a flagship might actually cost less out of pocket while delivering stronger earning potential. That said, for students who need a supportive environment or proximity to home, the estimated debt load here won't trap them in unmanageable payments.

The practical question: Can your family verify actual graduate outcomes directly with Miles College's career services? Since these figures are drawn from peer programs rather than this school's specific track record, asking about job placement rates, employer relationships, and CPA exam pass rates would give you the concrete evidence these estimates can't provide.

Where Miles College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (24 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Miles CollegeFairfield$12,714$47,089*β€”$26,588*β€”
Auburn UniversityAuburn$12,536$60,381*$68,374$23,250*0.39
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa$11,900$53,452*$68,159$23,000*0.43
Strayer University-AlabamaBirmingham$13,920$52,373*$56,398$54,989*1.05
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham$8,832$51,640*$53,666$34,288*0.66
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham$13,420$49,538*$54,212β€”*β€”
National Medianβ€”$53,694*β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Miles College, approximately 76% 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 14 similar programs in AL. Actual outcomes may vary.