Analysis
Simpson College's accounting graduates start at $60,717—surpassing three-quarters of accounting programs nationally and landing in the middle of the pack among Iowa schools. With just $27,000 in median debt (below both state and national averages), graduates face a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they owe less than half their first-year salary. This is a notably better debt position than most accounting programs offer.
The gap to Iowa's top programs is real but not dramatic. Drake and University of Iowa graduates earn about $5,000 more, while Simpson's graduates essentially match outcomes at Wartburg, Loras, and Northern Iowa. Earnings climb to $64,543 by year four—steady if unspectacular growth that suggests stable career progression rather than explosive advancement.
For families weighing Simpson's 89% admission rate and likely regional draw, this program delivers solid fundamentals: strong national standing, reasonable debt, and earnings that comfortably support loan repayment from day one. You're paying for reliable entry into accounting careers, not prestige, and the numbers back that up as a sound investment.
Where Simpson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Simpson College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson College | $60,717 | $64,543 | +6% |
| University of Iowa | $65,373 | $77,201 | +18% |
| Drake University | $65,922 | $75,593 | +15% |
| Luther College | $60,068 | $74,629 | +24% |
| University of Northern Iowa | $61,088 | $71,359 | +17% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Simpson CollegeIndianola | $46,212 | $60,717 | $64,543 | $27,000 | 0.44 |
 Drake UniversityDes Moines | $49,944 | $65,922 | $75,593 | $20,500 | 0.31 |
 University of IowaIowa City | $10,964 | $65,373 | $77,201 | $22,500 | 0.34 |
 Wartburg CollegeWaverly | $51,040 | $61,529 | $68,921 | $26,840 | 0.44 |
 Loras CollegeDubuque | $38,298 | $61,147 | $70,373 | — | — |
 University of Northern IowaCedar Falls | $9,728 | $61,088 | $71,359 | $21,525 | 0.35 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Simpson College, approximately 33% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 30 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.