Est. Earnings (1yr)
$49,406
Est. from TX median (43 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$22,759
Est. from TX median (10 programs)

Analysis

Paul Quinn College serves a predominantly lower-income student population (70% receive Pell grants), making the debt burden particularly important to assess. Based on typical accounting programs in Texas, graduates here would likely carry around $22,759 in debt—slightly below both state and national medians—while earning approximately $49,406 in their first year. That 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable monthly payments, though the estimated earnings trail the state median and sit well below what graduates from Texas's top programs command (which range from $67,000 to $72,000).

The gap matters because accounting credentials generally lead to structured career paths with professional licensing opportunities. While comparable Texas programs suggest solid middle-class starting salaries, the $20,000+ difference between these estimates and what UT-Austin or Texas A&M accounting graduates earn could compound significantly over a career. For families choosing Paul Quinn specifically for its mission, affordability, or Dallas location, these estimated figures indicate a functional return on investment—you'd be looking at debt payments around 10% of gross income based on standard repayment terms.

The practical question is whether Paul Quinn's specific accounting program connects students to Dallas's robust financial services sector as effectively as peer programs. Without actual outcome data for this school, verify job placement rates and CPA exam pass rates directly with the college before committing.

Where Paul Quinn College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (67 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Paul Quinn CollegeDallas$13,498$49,406*$22,759*
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth$57,220$72,031*$78,532$17,778*0.25
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$64,460$68,643*$77,801$15,850*0.23
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$68,187*$80,617$20,500*0.30
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$68,082*$78,482$19,462*0.29
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station$13,099$67,186*$84,502$17,641*0.26
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 Paul Quinn College, approximately 70% 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 43 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.