Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,898
55th percentile
60th percentile in New Hampshire
Median Debt
$34,900
40% above national median

Analysis

Southern New Hampshire University's accounting program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance with one major advantage: exceptionally manageable debt levels. While the median starting salary of $54,898 places graduates around the 55th percentile nationally and 60th percentile in New Hampshire, the real story is the $34,900 median debt load. This debt level ranks in the 7th percentile nationally—meaning 93% of accounting programs saddle students with more debt—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.64.

This debt advantage becomes clearer when compared to typical accounting programs. Nationally, accounting graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, but SNHU's $34,900 is still well below what creates financial stress. The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $61,017 by year four, keeping pace with career progression expectations. Among New Hampshire's eight accounting programs, SNHU ranks respectably in the middle, trailing Saint Anselm College but outperforming several competitors.

For an anxious parent, this represents a reasonable investment in a stable career field. Your child will graduate with manageable debt and solid earning potential in a profession with consistent demand. While they won't be the highest earners immediately, the combination of accessible admission (96% acceptance rate), reasonable debt levels, and steady career growth makes this a financially sensible choice for students seeking accounting careers without excessive financial risk.

Where Southern New Hampshire University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Southern New Hampshire University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Southern New Hampshire University$54,898$61,017+11%
Georgetown University$89,564$127,971+43%
Santa Clara University$78,417$101,411+29%
Franklin Pierce University$45,356$57,926+28%
Plymouth State University$54,209$54,684+1%

Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (8 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester$16,450$54,898$61,017$34,9000.64
Saint Anselm CollegeManchester$46,810$60,830$27,0000.44
Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth$14,558$54,209$54,684$27,0000.50
Franklin Pierce UniversityRindge$44,963$45,356$57,926$26,2740.58
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

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 Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 47% 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 686 graduates with reported earnings and 887 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.