Accounting at Radford University

Radford's accounting program sits squarely in the middle of Virginia's accounting landscape—both earnings and debt land near the 40th percentile statewide. Starting at $51,643 and climbing to $65,268 by year four represents solid 26% growth, though you're still looking at outcomes roughly $18,000 below what James Madison or Virginia Tech graduates earn at the four-year mark. The $24,250 debt load is reasonable at 0.47 times first-year earnings, meaning graduates should be able to manage payments without serious strain.

The bigger question is whether Radford's accessibility (91% admission rate, serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students) justifies this middle-tier outcome. For families prioritizing manageable debt over maximum earnings, this program delivers predictable results—you'll land an entry-level accounting job and see meaningful salary progression. But if your child could gain admission to JMU or Virginia Tech, those programs offer $6,000-$18,000 more in annual earnings by year four for similar debt levels.

This works for students who need a clear path into accounting without competitive admissions pressure. The numbers aren't exciting, but they're stable: reasonable debt, steady career progression, and earnings that cover the investment. Just understand you're trading prestige and peak earnings for accessibility and reliability.