Accounting at Ottawa University-Milwaukee

Ottawa University-Milwaukee's accounting program starts graduates at $51,664—about $5,000 below Wisconsin's median and $2,000 below the national average. More concerning, it ranks in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin's 31 accounting programs, trailing far behind state options like UW-Madison ($68,909) and even mid-tier programs like UW-Whitewater ($61,926). For a Wisconsin family, this represents a notable gap when comparing in-state alternatives.

The debt picture adds another layer of concern. At $35,854, graduates here carry roughly $10,000 more debt than typical Wisconsin accounting majors, despite earning less. While the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable on paper, it means students are borrowing more to earn less than peers across the state. The combination—below-average earnings paired with above-average debt—squeezes graduate finances tighter than necessary for this career path.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. However, given Wisconsin's strong public university system offers demonstrably better outcomes in accounting, families should carefully weigh whether this program justifies both the cost premium and the earnings gap. The 46% Pell Grant rate suggests the school serves students who may be particularly cost-sensitive—precisely the population that needs strong earnings outcomes.