Accounting (Bachelor's Degree) at Saint Louis University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$63,153

83rd percentile

80th percentile in Missouri

Median Debt

$26,820

7% above national median

Analysis

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.

Where Saint Louis University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Saint Louis University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (33 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis	$53,244	$63,153	—	$26,820	0.42
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia	$14,130	$65,057	$81,583	$20,707	0.32
Maryville University of Saint LouisSaint Louis	$27,166	$61,237	$65,069	$25,125	0.41
Truman State UniversityKirksville	$9,470	$59,919	$64,972	$23,250	0.39
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg	$9,739	$56,565	$58,085	$25,591	0.45
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis	$13,440	$55,615	$65,154	$21,300	0.38
National Median	—	$53,694	—	$25,000	0.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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 Saint Louis University, approximately 15% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.