Analysis
For an accounting bachelor's degree, a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5 generally signals manageable repayment, and this program appears to align with that threshold. Based on comparable Ohio accounting programs, graduates might expect around $56,400 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debtβfigures that match state medians closely and slightly exceed national benchmarks. Ohio's accounting job market supports mid-range starting salaries, though top performers from schools like Case Western and Miami University pull significantly higher figures in the $65,000-$68,000 range.
The challenge here is that all these numbers are estimates derived from peer institutions, not actual outcomes for Notre Dame College graduates. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, this school serves many first-generation and lower-income families who need accounting's professional credibility, but without reported data, you're essentially betting that this program performs like the average Ohio accounting degree rather than better or worse. Accounting credentials carry weight regardless of the college name, which helps, but the lack of actual graduate outcomes means you can't confirm whether students here are landing comparable roles at regional firms or struggling to break in.
If your child is committed to accounting and this school offers strong faculty relationships and CPA exam preparation, the estimated debt load isn't alarming. But push the school directly for placement rates, employer connections, and CPA pass ratesβconcrete metrics that aren't available in federal data but matter more than estimated salary figures when the actual outcomes remain unknown.
Where Notre Dame College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $32,606 | $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 Notre Dame College, approximately 39% 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.