Analysis
Oregon accounting programs cluster tightly around $56,000-$60,000 in first-year earnings, and Multnomah's estimated $56,348 sits squarely in this rangeβcomparable to what similar Oregon accounting programs report. With estimated debt of $28,000, graduates would face monthly payments around $315, manageable on a salary in the mid-50s. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.5, which falls comfortably within what most financial advisors consider sustainable for bachelor's degree holders.
The challenge here is that these figures come from peer programs rather than Multnomah's own graduates, so there's inherent uncertainty about this specific school's outcomes. What we do know is that accounting remains one of the more stable career paths for bachelor's degree holders, with clear licensing pathways and consistent demand. The fact that 47% of Multnomah students receive Pell grants suggests the school serves a population where manageable debt matters considerably.
For parents weighing this decision, the estimated numbers point to reasonable economics if they hold trueβdebt that shouldn't overwhelm starting salaries typical for Oregon accountants. The real question is whether Multnomah's career services, CPA exam preparation, and employer connections match what larger programs in the state deliver. Visit campus, ask about recent graduate placements, and confirm whether students are landing jobs that justify these projected earnings before committing.
Where Multnomah University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (15 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,310 | $56,348* | β | $28,000* | β | |
| $40,940 | $59,980* | β | $26,000* | 0.43 | |
| $49,530 | $58,914* | $59,945 | $28,000* | 0.48 | |
| $15,669 | $58,449* | $75,219 | $20,500* | 0.35 | |
| $11,238 | $58,069* | $65,584 | $31,000* | 0.53 | |
| β | $54,626* | $61,317 | $42,765* | 0.78 | |
| 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 Multnomah University, approximately 47% 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 8 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.