Accounting at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's accounting associate's degree starts graduates at $37,986—right at the state median—but the trajectory is what matters here. Four years out, earnings jump 40% to $53,096, a pattern of growth that outpaces most two-year programs. The debt load of $24,040 is moderate, translating to a manageable 0.63 ratio against first-year earnings, and graduates carry less debt than 77% of accounting programs nationwide.

The value equation is straightforward: middle-of-the-pack starting point, above-average finish. Among New Hampshire's ten accounting programs, this one lands at the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning you're doing better than most in-state options without the premium debt. The 96% admission rate and nearly half the student body on Pell grants suggest SNHU serves students who might not have other four-year options, making the strong earnings growth particularly meaningful.

For parents weighing community college accounting programs, this delivers what you'd hope for: reasonable debt that gets quickly overtaken by rising earnings. The robust sample size (100+ graduates tracked) means these aren't fluky numbers. If your student can handle the debt load and plans to stay in accounting, this program demonstrates clear earning power by year four.