Analysis
Presbyterian College's accounting program lands right at the state median for South Carolina, with comparable programs suggesting around $52,000 in first-year earningsβslightly below the national benchmark of $54,000 but reasonable for the market. The estimated debt of $24,000 is actually lower than both state and national medians, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that signals manageable repayment.
What's worth noting is the gap between Presbyterian and South Carolina's top performers. Bob Jones and USC-Columbia graduates earn roughly $7,000 more annually in their first yearβa meaningful difference that compounds over time. With a 72% admission rate and mid-range SAT scores, Presbyterian occupies a middle tier among SC accounting programs, and the earnings estimates reflect that positioning.
For parents evaluating this program, the core financial math works: estimated debt is modest, and the credentials should lead to stable employment. However, if your child can access one of the higher-earning programs in the state, the investment might pay off faster. The limited data here means you're making decisions based on what similar South Carolina accounting programs produce, not Presbyterian's specific track recordβso connecting with recent alumni directly would help fill in what the numbers can't tell you.
Where Presbyterian College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $43,300 | $52,373* | β | $23,936* | β | |
| $23,400 | $59,332* | $65,948 | $23,936* | 0.40 | |
| $12,688 | $59,283* | $72,537 | $25,826* | 0.44 | |
| $15,554 | $56,419* | $69,904 | $23,250* | 0.41 | |
| $33,580 | $55,127* | $55,705 | $23,750* | 0.43 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| 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 Presbyterian College, approximately 28% 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 9 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.