Analysis
Based on comparable accounting programs across Ohio, graduates from this program appear to be hitting typical benchmarks for the state. Similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $56,441, with reported four-year earnings of $59,691—both figures that track closely with Ohio's median for accounting degrees. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits just above the state median, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 that falls well within manageable territory.
What's harder to gauge is how Ohio Dominican specifically compares to the state's stronger performers. Top accounting programs in Ohio—Case Western Reserve, Miami University, and Ohio State—report first-year earnings in the $62,000-$68,000 range, suggesting a $6,000-$12,000 premium over what peer programs to ODU typically produce. Accounting is relatively standardized as a field, which means employers often value the credential and CPA eligibility more than the school name, but these gaps aren't trivial for an early-career accountant.
The practical takeaway: if your child is certain about accounting and ODU offers the best fit or affordability, the estimated outcomes suggest a solid starting point—debt appears manageable and earnings align with state norms. But if comparable net costs exist at programs with stronger track records, those documented outcomes offer more certainty than what estimates can provide here.
Where Ohio Dominican 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Dominican University | — | $59,691 | — |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | +25% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | +14% |
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,370 | $56,441* | $59,691 | $27,000* | — | |
| $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 | — | $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 Ohio Dominican University, 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.