Accounting at National University

National University's accounting graduates start strong at $61,037, well above the national median, but here's the catch: their earnings actually drop to $55,550 four years out—a 9% decline that's unusual for accounting majors. That puts them below California's median of $62,202, landing in just the 40th percentile statewide. While they're beating most accounting programs nationally, California parents should recognize their child would be earning less than typical accounting graduates at state schools, despite carrying above-average debt at $34,375.

The debt load deserves attention. Though the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 looks manageable on paper, the declining earnings trajectory means graduates are earning less at year four than they were fresh out of school—precisely when they should be getting raises and advancing. Combined with debt that's 48% higher than California's median for accounting programs, this creates an increasingly tight financial squeeze over time.

**The bottom line:** If your child wants accounting and you're considering National University's flexibility as a working adult, the initial salary justifies the investment. But the backwards earnings trajectory suggests graduates may not be landing the kinds of accounting roles that lead to career advancement. At this price point and with these outcomes, comparing carefully against California State University campuses—where accounting grads typically see earnings growth, not decline—makes sense before committing.