Accounting (Bachelor's Degree) at South University-Savannah Online

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$50,583

Est. from GA median (19 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$54,380

Est. from GA median (3 programs)

Analysis

A debt load exceeding first-year earnings should immediately concern parents considering South University-Savannah Online's accounting program. Based on comparable programs at similar Georgia institutions, graduates are estimated to carry $54,380 in debt while earning around $50,583 in their first year—more than double the typical debt burden for accounting bachelor's degree holders statewide, where the median sits at $26,000.

The earnings estimate aligns with Georgia's state median for accounting programs, but that consistency offers little comfort when weighed against the debt. Compare this to University of Georgia accounting graduates who earn $64,058 or even Georgia State graduates at $55,761—these programs deliver similar or better outcomes, likely with substantially less debt. The school's 76% Pell grant rate indicates it serves primarily students from lower-income families, making a six-figure total debt load (when interest accrues) particularly risky.

For an online program charging premium prices, these estimated figures suggest poor value. Accounting credentials are relatively standardized—employers care about your CPA eligibility and skills, not necessarily where you earned your degree. Unless this school offers compelling advantages not reflected in the data, parents should look hard at Georgia's public universities or other accredited programs with transparent, favorable debt-to-earnings ratios before committing to this investment.

Where South University-Savannah Online Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (38 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
South University-Savannah OnlineSavannah	$16,546	$50,583*	—	$54,380*	—
University of GeorgiaAthens	$11,180	$64,058*	$76,298	$23,250*	0.36
Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw	$5,786	$57,814*	$65,652	$26,000*	0.45
Oglethorpe UniversityAtlanta	$45,806	$56,121*	$77,243	$26,000*	0.46
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta	$8,478	$55,761*	$62,731	$25,500*	0.46
DeVry University-GeorgiaDecatur	$17,488	$54,264*	$54,099	$54,380*	1.00
National Median	—	$53,694*	—	$25,000*	0.47

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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 South University-Savannah Online, approximately 76% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 19 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.