Analysis
Ohio's accounting bachelor's programs cluster tightly around $56,000 in first-year earnings, and based on peer institutions in the state, Mount Vernon Nazarene likely falls right in that range. The estimated $27,000 debt load matches what similar Ohio programs typically produce, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48βmeaning a graduate could expect to earn just over twice their debt in their first year. For context, Ohio State and Miami University graduates start considerably higher at around $62,000-$68,000, but those larger programs also draw more competitive student bodies.
The challenge with Mount Vernon Nazarene is the uncertainty. When Department of Education data gets suppressed due to small graduate samples, we're left estimating based on what comparable Ohio accounting programs achieve. The estimated figures here align with both state and national medians for accounting degrees, suggesting solid middle-of-the-pack outcomes. Accounting credentials tend to produce consistent, predictable employment outcomes regardless of where the degree comes from, which works in this program's favor.
For a family evaluating this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable valueβaccounting majors typically start with clear job prospects, and a debt load under $30,000 won't dominate early-career budgets. However, if your student could access the higher-earning programs at Ohio's flagship universities, that $6,000-$11,000 annual difference compounds significantly over a career. The real decision hinges on factors beyond these estimates: financial aid packages, campus fit, and whether your student thrives better in a smaller faith-based environment or a larger institutional setting.
Where Mount Vernon Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,524 | $56,441* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $64,671 | $67,830* | $78,857 | $25,000* | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743* | $77,503 | $23,000* | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127* | $72,243 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399* | $77,705 | $23,284* | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145* | $75,037 | $27,000* | 0.43 | |
| 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 Vernon Nazarene University, approximately 29% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.