Est. Earnings (1yr)
$57,029
Est. from IN median (21 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from IN median (15 programs)

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 $27,000β€”a 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 programsβ€”Notre Dame at $77,000, Purdue at $63,000β€”demonstrate 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Oakland City Universityβ€”$51,957β€”
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oakland City UniversityOakland City$27,150$57,029*$51,957$27,000*β€”
University of Notre DameNotre Dame$62,693$76,878*$89,081$19,000*0.25
Saint Mary's CollegeNotre Dame$51,430$71,234*β€”$27,000*0.38
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$63,021*$74,894$19,500*0.31
Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne$30,446$62,287*$52,151$29,048*0.47
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional StudiesFort Wayne$9,900$62,287*$52,151$29,048*0.47
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 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.