Analysis
Florida accounting graduates from larger programs report first-year earnings between $55,000 and $65,000, with University of Florida leading the pack. Palm Beach Atlantic's estimated $51,800 sits noticeably below this range, tracking closer to the state median drawn from smaller programs across Florida. The estimated $25,250 in debt is actually slightly above Florida's typical $22,600 for accounting bachelor's degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49βhigher than you'd want to see for a professional credential like accounting.
The challenge here is that both figures are estimates derived from peer programs, not actual outcomes specific to Palm Beach Atlantic's accounting graduates. The school's limited graduate sample size means we're working with educated guesses based on similar programs statewide. What we can say is that if these estimates hold true, your child would be starting their accounting career earning less than peers from Florida's flagship public universities while carrying slightly more debt. That's a combination worth scrutinizing, especially when the CPA exam and career advancement depend on practical experience rather than institutional prestige.
Given the estimates and the availability of more established Florida accounting programs with documented stronger earnings, you'll want to dig into Palm Beach Atlantic's specific career outcomesβjob placement rates, Big Four accounting firm connections, and CPA pass ratesβbefore committing to a cost structure that appears less favorable than alternatives.
Where Palm Beach Atlantic University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,990 | $51,837* | β | $25,250* | β | |
| $6,381 | $65,144* | $75,355 | $18,003* | 0.28 | |
| $6,389 | $58,514* | $66,355 | $22,615* | 0.39 | |
| $4,879 | $56,600* | $60,630 | $19,431* | 0.34 | |
| $5,656 | $55,626* | $74,193 | $18,625* | 0.33 | |
| $6,368 | $55,203* | $68,209 | $19,736* | 0.36 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $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 Palm Beach Atlantic University, approximately 25% 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 22 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.