Accounting at National American University-Rapid City

With first-year earnings of $35,820 and debt of $41,344, graduates from this accounting program start their careers underwater—owing more than they make. While earnings climb impressively to nearly $50,000 by year four, that initial earnings figure ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for accounting programs, trailing the national median by more than $17,000. Even within South Dakota, where accounting salaries run lower than the national average, this program sits at the 25th percentile. For comparison, University of South Dakota accounting graduates start at $57,234—nearly $21,000 more per year.

The debt load compounds the problem. At $41,344, it exceeds not just the national median ($25,000) but also South Dakota's typical accounting debt ($27,908). With more than half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here likely can't absorb these financial challenges easily. The 39% earnings growth does narrow the gap over time, but that doesn't erase the difficult first few years when loan payments consume a significant portion of take-home pay.

Keep in mind these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, which can make them less reliable. Even accounting for that uncertainty, though, the combination of below-market starting salaries and above-market debt suggests other South Dakota accounting programs offer better financial outcomes for most students.