Accounting at Monroe University

Monroe University's accounting program lands graduates in entry-level positions paying roughly $10,000 below the New York median and nearly $13,000 below the national average. While the debt load is reasonable at $27,569—slightly above typical for accounting programs—the real concern is starting salary. At just the 5th percentile nationally, these graduates earn less than 95% of accounting majors across the country. Even within New York's competitive market, the program only reaches the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of state programs deliver better outcomes.

The 27% earnings growth to $52,393 by year four helps close the gap, but graduates still trail New York's median significantly. This pattern likely reflects the challenges of breaking into competitive New York City accounting markets from a less-recognized institution, despite the Bronx location. With 58% of students on Pell grants, many families here are making significant sacrifices for credentials that aren't translating to proportional career opportunities. Compare this to SUNY Binghamton, where accounting graduates start at $74,151—nearly double Monroe's first-year figure—often with similar or lower debt.

For families considering this program: the debt itself won't crush you, but the opportunity cost matters. If alternatives like SUNY schools or even strong community college pathways to transfer programs are accessible, those routes typically lead to substantially better accounting outcomes in New York's market.