Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$51,837
Est. from FL median (22 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$25,250
Est. from FL median (9 programs)

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs β€” see details below.

Analysis

Florida's accounting programs show significant variation in outcomes, and Nova Southeastern falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. Based on comparable Florida programs, graduates here likely start around $52,000β€”notably below what peers at UF ($65,000) or UNF ($59,000) command, but on par with the state median. By year four, earnings climb to $68,000, suggesting steady if unremarkable progression in a field known for clear advancement paths.

The estimated $25,250 in debt aligns with both state and national norms for accounting degrees, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49. That's well within the comfort zone for a professional credential that typically leads to stable employment. The challenge isn't the debt burdenβ€”it's whether Nova's placement network and employer relationships can match those of Florida's flagship universities, which appear to position graduates for stronger initial salaries.

For parents evaluating this program, the practical question is whether Nova Southeastern's tuition delivers comparable value to less expensive in-state options. The four-year earnings suggest the gap narrows over time, but starting $10,000+ behind peers at public universities means playing catch-up during critical early-career years. If your child has admission offers from UF or FSU, those programs show measurably stronger starting outcomes. If Nova offers significantly more financial aid or better fits other priorities, the debt load remains reasonableβ€”just don't expect it to outperform Florida's public accounting programs.

Where Nova Southeastern University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Nova Southeastern Universityβ€”$67,990β€”
University of Florida$65,144$75,355+16%
Florida State University$55,626$74,193+33%
The University of Tampa$52,690$71,151+35%
Florida International University$54,963$68,602+25%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (42 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale$37,080$51,837*$67,990$25,250*β€”
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$65,144*$75,355$18,003*0.28
University of North FloridaJacksonville$6,389$58,514*$66,355$22,615*0.39
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$56,600*$60,630$19,431*0.34
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$55,626*$74,193$18,625*0.33
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$55,203*$68,209$19,736*0.36
National Medianβ€”$53,694*β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Nova Southeastern University, approximately 37% 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 22 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.