Analysis
Rasmussen University-Kansas graduates earn slightly below the Kansas median for accounting programs, ranking in the 40th percentile statewide—about $2,500 less annually than the typical Kansas accounting graduate. More concerning is the debt load: at nearly $40,000, it's 60% higher than both state and national medians for this degree. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75, meaning graduates carry debt equal to roughly nine months of their salary, compared to about five months for the typical accounting graduate nationally.
The earnings trajectory offers modest reassurance—graduates see steady income growth from $53,285 to $55,860 over four years—but they still trail peers from Kansas State ($60,155) and Wichita State ($59,448) by approximately $5,000-$7,000 annually. For a program serving predominantly Pell grant recipients (57%), that extra debt without corresponding salary premium matters significantly for family budgets and loan repayment timelines.
If your child is comparing accounting programs in Kansas, the math suggests exploring public universities first. Schools like Fort Hays State or Washburn offer similar or better outcomes, likely at lower cost. Rasmussen's numbers aren't disqualifying—graduates do find accounting jobs with livable salaries—but the debt burden makes this a less efficient path to the same destination than several in-state alternatives.
Where Rasmussen University-Kansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Rasmussen University-Kansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | $53,285 | $55,860 | +5% |
| Kansas State University | $60,155 | $68,922 | +15% |
| Benedictine College | $58,320 | $68,559 | +18% |
| University of Kansas | $53,842 | $64,135 | +19% |
| Wichita State University | $59,448 | $63,799 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,340 | $53,285 | $55,860 | $39,938 | 0.75 | |
| $10,942 | $60,155 | $68,922 | $24,250 | 0.40 | |
| $9,322 | $59,448 | $63,799 | $22,250 | 0.37 | |
| $34,800 | $58,320 | $68,559 | $20,500 | 0.35 | |
| $5,633 | $56,503 | $44,024 | $26,000 | 0.46 | |
| $9,578 | $55,197 | $58,768 | $20,853 | 0.38 | |
| 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 Rasmussen University-Kansas, approximately 57% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 125 graduates with reported earnings and 147 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.