Analysis
North Central College graduates start with $58,717—solidly above both the national median ($53,694) and Illinois state median ($54,694) for accounting programs. That 60th percentile ranking among Illinois schools is meaningful in a competitive accounting market where many students stay in-state. The debt load of $26,667 is slightly higher than the state median but results in a comfortable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.
The 18% earnings growth to $69,387 by year four shows steady career progression, bringing graduates close to DePaul and Loyola territory without the price tag of those larger Chicago institutions. While this program doesn't match the elite outcomes of U of I Urbana-Champaign, it performs competitively against other private Illinois colleges, particularly when you consider North Central's more accessible 58% admission rate.
For families weighing accounting programs in Illinois, this represents a practical middle ground: better-than-average outcomes without excessive debt, from a moderately selective school in the Chicago suburbs where accounting jobs are plentiful. The numbers suggest graduates are finding solid entry-level positions and advancing on schedule.
Where North Central College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How North Central College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Central College | $58,717 | $69,387 | +18% |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | $70,831 | $85,000 | +20% |
| Loyola University Chicago | $69,965 | $82,642 | +18% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | $74,731 | $80,736 | +8% |
| DePaul University | $69,250 | $80,614 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 North Central CollegeNaperville | $44,394 | $58,717 | $69,387 | $26,667 | 0.45 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $74,731 | $80,736 | $20,500 | 0.27 |
 Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington | $55,704 | $70,831 | $85,000 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Loyola University ChicagoChicago | $51,716 | $69,965 | $82,642 | $22,125 | 0.32 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $69,250 | $80,614 | $24,500 | 0.35 |
 Bradley UniversityPeoria | $39,680 | $65,842 | $72,938 | $26,925 | 0.41 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $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 North Central College, approximately 25% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 52 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.