Accounting at San Diego State University

San Diego State's accounting program graduates start below California's median for accountants, earning $57,157 in year one compared to the state average of $62,202. While that's still solid compared to the national figure ($53,694), it's worth noting this program lands in the 40th percentile among California accounting programs—meaning nearly two-thirds of in-state alternatives produce higher starting salaries.

The real story here is the trajectory. Graduates see 38% earnings growth by year four, jumping to $79,043—a pattern that suggests SDSU grads are landing entry-level positions that lead to strong mid-career outcomes. The debt picture strongly favors this program: at just $15,218 median debt (compared to $23,188 statewide), students graduate with one of the lowest debt burdens of any accounting program in the country. That 0.27 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than four months of their first-year salary.

For California families, the calculus is straightforward. SDSU won't match the $78,000+ starting salaries at Santa Clara or USC, but those schools come with significantly higher price tags. If your child can graduate from SDSU with minimal debt and access the same CPA credential that matters most in accounting, the below-average starting salary becomes far less concerning—especially when earnings climb nearly $22,000 by year four.