Accounting at Purdue University Global

Purdue Global's accounting associate program hits the 60th percentile among Indiana schools for earnings, but the debt burden tells a different story. While graduates earn slightly above the state median ($38,751 versus $38,751), they're carrying $31,501 in debt—about $6,500 more than typical for Indiana accounting programs and $12,000 above the national average for this degree. That's concerning for a program whose grads show essentially flat earnings growth over four years.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates are starting with debt nearly equal to their first year's salary, making this a relatively expensive path into accounting. For comparison, Indiana Wesleyan's accounting associates graduates earn $52,576—36% more—which might better justify accumulating student loans. Even Ivy Tech Community College, a more affordable option, produces comparable outcomes ($36,241) likely with far less debt.

Nearly half of Purdue Global students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from lower-income backgrounds where this debt load could be particularly burdensome. If your child is set on this program, they should explore whether they can access similar Purdue Global coursework while enrolled at a community college with a transfer agreement—that would preserve the credential value while controlling costs. Otherwise, look closely at whether the convenience of Purdue Global's format justifies paying substantially more than competing programs that deliver similar earnings.