Analysis
Four years after graduation, Mount Saint Mary College's accounting graduates earn a median $63,743βa solid outcome that exceeds both the state median of $51,525 and the national median of $53,694. The estimated debt of $24,750 translates to a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary, which sits comfortably within the "manageable debt" threshold that financial advisors typically recommend staying under.
The trajectory from estimated first-year earnings around $51,525 to $63,743 by year four suggests meaningful salary progression as accountants gain licensure and experience. While this program doesn't produce the $70,000+ outcomes seen at Fordham or Syracuse, it delivers results close to the state average at a debt level that's slightly below itβa reasonable value proposition for families who prioritize affordability. The 82% admission rate and 30% Pell grant population suggest Mount Saint Mary serves a broader range of students than some elite competitors.
For parents weighing this program, the key question is whether the $12,000-15,000 earnings gap compared to top NY programs justifies their typically higher costs. If Mount Saint Mary's net price (after aid) is competitive, this accounting degree offers a clear path to middle-class employment with debt that shouldn't become burdensome, though families should confirm the first-year earnings estimate holds for this specific campus.
Where Mount Saint Mary College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Saint Mary College | β | $63,743 | β |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | +26% |
| Yeshiva University | $69,252 | $87,338 | +26% |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | +14% |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,370 | $51,525* | $63,743 | $24,750 | β | |
| $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 | 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 Mount Saint Mary College, approximately 30% 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 45 similar programs in NY. Actual outcomes may vary.