Accounting at Saint Norbert College

Saint Norbert College accounting graduates start at nearly $60,000—impressive for a small liberal arts college, outpacing the national median by 11% and placing it in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's 31 accounting programs. More importantly, the debt load is exceptionally manageable at $27,000, below both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a comfortable position that allows for aggressive repayment or financial flexibility early in their careers.

The earnings trajectory holds steady too, with graduates earning $68,000 by year four—a 14% bump that keeps pace with peers at much larger universities like Marquette and UW-La Crosse. While this program doesn't quite reach the premium commanded by UW-Madison's top-ranked program, it delivers comparable outcomes to well-regarded state schools at a similar debt load. The 92% admission rate makes this accessible to most applicants, yet the outcomes suggest solid career preparation and employer connections.

For families weighing private college costs, Saint Norbert demonstrates that you don't need elite selectivity or flagship prestige to secure strong accounting career outcomes. The combination of above-average starting salaries with below-average debt creates a low-risk pathway into a stable profession, particularly valuable in Wisconsin's mid-sized cities where many graduates likely work.