Est. Earnings (1yr)Estimated
$49,823
Est. from OK median (7 programs)
Est. Median DebtEstimated
$26,588
Est. from national median (312 programs)

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

Analysis

Oklahoma City University's accounting program estimates debt of $26,588 against first-year earnings around $49,823—figures drawn from peer programs across Oklahoma and similar private institutions nationally. That 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable bounds for accounting degrees, but the earnings figure itself tells a more complicated story about this particular path.

Based on comparable Oklahoma programs, these estimated earnings land right at the state median but trail the flagship state schools considerably. University of Oklahoma accounting grads start around $62,930, while Oklahoma State produces $50,943—both using reported data from their own graduates. For a private university charging tuition that generates debt $2,500 above the state median, matching rather than exceeding public school outcomes creates a tighter financial equation. The national accounting median of $53,694 reinforces that Oklahoma's market generally pays below-average salaries in this field.

The practical reality: accounting credentials remain professionally valuable regardless of where you earn them, and the estimated debt here won't be crushing on a $50,000 salary. But you're likely paying a premium over Oklahoma's public options without clear evidence of an earnings advantage. If Oklahoma City University offers compelling non-financial benefits—smaller classes, stronger campus fit, or better career services—those could justify the cost difference. Otherwise, the flagship universities appear to deliver stronger market outcomes at lower debt levels for Oklahoma accounting students.

Where Oklahoma City University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Oklahoma

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oklahoma (18 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oklahoma City UniversityOklahoma City$33,586$49,823*$26,588*
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman$9,595$62,930*$76,379$20,500*0.33
University of Central OklahomaEdmond$8,522$56,889*$67,152$27,273*0.48
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater$10,234$50,943*$72,003$23,250*0.46
Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah$7,513$49,823*$58,689$25,000*0.50
East Central UniversityAda$8,032$46,419*$15,500*0.33
National Median$53,694*$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 Oklahoma City University, approximately 23% 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 7 similar programs in OK. Actual outcomes may vary.