Accounting at Pacific University

In Oregon's competitive accounting landscape, similar programs suggest Pacific University graduates can expect around $56,000 in first-year earnings—right at the state median but trailing established programs like George Fox ($60,000) and University of Oregon ($58,000) by several thousand dollars. The estimated $28,000 in debt sits slightly above the state median of $26,000, though still manageable for an accounting degree where professional certifications and career advancement typically drive long-term value.

The 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a practical story: borrowers would need to allocate half their first-year salary to eliminate debt in twelve months, or more realistically, plan for several years of monthly payments that remain digestible on an accountant's salary. Peer programs in Oregon generally produce outcomes in this range, suggesting the fundamentals work—accounting remains one of the more reliable career paths out of college. However, Pacific's 92% admission rate and modest SAT scores (1123) hint at an institution where the accounting program may not command the same regional recognition as larger Oregon universities.

For families weighing this investment, the key uncertainty is whether Pacific's actual outcomes match these peer-based estimates. The suppressed data means you're essentially betting on an untested program reaching state averages. If Pacific delivers on par with similar Oregon schools, the debt burden is reasonable for a stable profession. But without confirmed track record data, you're paying tuition at a smaller private university hoping it performs like the median—not the standout performers nearby.