Accounting at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University accounting graduates earn $63,153 their first year out—significantly above Missouri's median of $50,218 and trailing only Mizzou among major state programs. That's strong performance for a program where 81% of applicants are admitted. With debt around $26,800, graduates face manageable payments while their earnings put them in the top 20% statewide and top 17% nationally for accounting programs.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a comfortable position for launching an accounting career. These borrowers would be looking at roughly $300 monthly payments while earning over $5,000 per month—numbers that work. The program costs slightly more than Missouri's median for accounting degrees, but delivers earnings that justify the premium.

One caveat: these figures come from a small sample of recent graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than at larger programs. Still, for Missouri families considering accounting, this represents a solid middle ground—better earnings than most state schools, less selective than Mizzou, and debt levels that won't derail your child's financial start. The combination of accessible admissions and strong placement makes this worth serious consideration.