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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,498 | $49,406* | — | $22,759* | — | |
| $57,220 | $72,031* | $78,532 | $17,778* | 0.25 | |
| $64,460 | $68,643* | $77,801 | $15,850* | 0.23 | |
| $54,844 | $68,187* | $80,617 | $20,500* | 0.30 | |
| $11,678 | $68,082* | $78,482 | $19,462* | 0.29 | |
| $13,099 | $67,186* | $84,502 | $17,641* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694* | — | $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 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.