Accounting at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Based on comparable programs across Indiana, accounting graduates typically earn around $57,000 in their first year—putting this program right at the state median and above the national benchmark of $53,694. The estimated $27,000 debt load, while slightly above Indiana's typical $24,300, translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47. For context, this means roughly half a year's salary to repay, which is reasonable for a professional degree in accounting.

The challenge is acknowledging what we don't know. These figures come from peer programs in Indiana, not from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods' actual graduates. The school serves a substantially higher proportion of Pell-eligible students (51%) than many competitors, which could mean different career trajectories or support needs. Meanwhile, Indiana's top accounting programs—Notre Dame at $76,878, Saint Mary's College at $71,234—show there's significant variation in outcomes within the state, though those schools also serve different student populations.

For families comfortable with $27,000 in debt, the estimated numbers suggest a workable investment, assuming Saint Mary-of-the-Woods' graduates perform similarly to the state average. The accounting credential itself has clear professional value and defined career pathways. But parents should ask the school directly about graduate outcomes, CPA pass rates, and employer connections—concrete indicators that matter more than estimates drawn from other programs.