Accounting at Siena College

Siena College's accounting program starts slow but builds momentum impressively. That $49,463 first-year salary lands below both the national median ($53,694) and New York's state median ($51,525), placing graduates at the 40th percentile among New York accounting programs. However, earnings jump 34% by year four to reach $66,306—outpacing many programs where growth stalls earlier. The $26,000 debt load is reasonable, producing a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio that gives graduates breathing room even during those lower-earning first years.

The key question is whether this trajectory continues. While Siena graduates trail elite New York programs like Fordham ($76,473) and Syracuse ($75,294) by significant margins, they're on a steeper climb than the initial numbers suggest. For families prioritizing debt management and steady career progression over immediate high earnings, this represents a solid mid-tier option. The 71% admission rate makes it accessible, and graduates aren't buried under debt while they build experience.

This program works best for students willing to grind through entry-level years at smaller firms or corporate roles, where the real payoff comes with experience rather than the diploma alone. If your child needs strong first-year earnings to handle debt quickly, look elsewhere. But if they can stomach a slower start for better long-term positioning, Siena's accounting program delivers reasonable value.