Analysis
Accounting programs across Indiana show substantial variation in graduate outcomes, and Oakland City's position in that landscape is difficult to pin down with precision. With suppressed data for this specific program, we're working from state medians suggesting first-year earnings around $57,000 against debt near $27,000βa 0.47 ratio that falls within manageable territory for an accounting degree. However, the four-year earnings figure of roughly $52,000 raises questions about typical career progression that ordinarily shows steady gains in this field.
The challenge here is context. Indiana's top accounting programsβNotre Dame at $77,000, Purdue at $63,000βdemonstrate what's possible in the state, while the statewide median sits at $57,000. Without knowing where Oakland City's actual graduates fall within that range, you're making a decision based on what similar small programs typically produce rather than proven outcomes from this institution. The estimated debt is slightly above Indiana's median for accounting programs, which isn't alarming but doesn't provide cushion if earnings trend lower than the state average.
For a practical degree like accounting where certifications and job placement matter enormously, you'll want to dig into Oakland City's CPA exam pass rates, internship connections, and where recent graduates actually land jobs. The numbers suggest this could work financially, but you're relying heavily on estimates rather than this school's track record.
Where Oakland City 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland City University | β | $51,957 | β |
| University of Notre Dame | $76,878 | $89,081 | +16% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $63,021 | $74,894 | +19% |
| Grace College and Theological Seminary | $55,997 | $65,833 | +18% |
| Ball State University | $56,101 | $64,069 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (33 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,150 | $57,029* | $51,957 | $27,000* | β | |
| $62,693 | $76,878* | $89,081 | $19,000* | 0.25 | |
| $51,430 | $71,234* | β | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $9,992 | $63,021* | $74,894 | $19,500* | 0.31 | |
| $30,446 | $62,287* | $52,151 | $29,048* | 0.47 | |
| $9,900 | $62,287* | $52,151 | $29,048* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Oakland City University, approximately 32% 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 21 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.