Accounting at Simpson College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Simpson College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Simpson College graduates earn $61k, placing them in the 76th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
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 Iowa
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (23 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simpson College | $60,717 | $64,543 | $27,000 | 0.44 |
| Drake University | $65,922 | $75,593 | $20,500 | 0.31 |
| University of Iowa | $65,373 | $77,201 | $22,500 | 0.34 |
| Wartburg College | $61,529 | $68,921 | $26,840 | 0.44 |
| Loras College | $61,147 | $70,373 | — | — |
| University of Northern Iowa | $61,088 | $71,359 | $21,525 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University Des Moines | $49,944 | $65,922 | $20,500 |
| University of Iowa Iowa City | $10,964 | $65,373 | $22,500 |
| Wartburg College Waverly | $51,040 | $61,529 | $26,840 |
| Loras College Dubuque | $38,298 | $61,147 | — |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $61,088 | $21,525 |
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.