Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (13 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Shepherd University$54,656
Strayer University-West Virginia$52,373$56,398$54,9891.05
West Virginia University Institute of Technology$51,824$69,240$23,9030.46
West Virginia University$51,824$69,240$23,9030.46
American Public University System$50,688$46,839$38,1470.75
Fairmont State University$47,630$55,226
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in West Virginia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Strayer University-West Virginia
Scott Depot
$13,920$52,373$54,989
West Virginia University Institute of Technology
Beckley
$8,064$51,824$23,903
West Virginia University
Morgantown
$9,648$51,824$23,903
American Public University System
Charles Town
$8,400$50,688$38,147
Fairmont State University
Fairmont
$8,454$47,630

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 Shepherd University, approximately 27% 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.