Accounting at Southern Wesleyan University

Based on comparable accounting programs across South Carolina, this path suggests first-year earnings around $52,373 against estimated debt of $23,936—a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio that beats the state median debt of $26,375. For a bachelor's in accounting, these figures track close to the national median of $53,694, though South Carolina's top programs like Bob Jones and USC-Columbia place graduates at $59,000+, showing there's meaningful variation in outcomes even within the state.

The estimated debt load here works in your favor. At under $24,000, it's roughly $2,400 less than typical SC accounting graduates carry, which matters when you're making loan payments on an entry-level salary. That said, peer programs suggest first-year earnings that trail the state's strongest performers by $7,000 or more—a gap that could widen over time if those programs offer better recruiting pipelines or alumni networks in accounting firms.

The practical calculation: similar programs indicate your child would face monthly loan payments around $250-275 on earnings that should comfortably support that burden. The 100% admission rate signals accessibility rather than selectivity, so outcomes will depend heavily on your child's initiative in securing internships and CPA exam preparation. For families prioritizing lower debt over prestige, peer data suggests this could work, but understand you're betting on estimates rather than this school's proven track record.