Accounting at St Catherine University

Minnesota accounting programs typically see graduates earning around $58,000 in their first year—the benchmark this program appears to match based on statewide data. With estimated debt of $27,000, you're looking at a manageable debt load that represents less than half of first-year income. That's a reasonable starting point for an accounting career, though it's worth noting the state's top programs place graduates earning $64,000 to $67,000, suggesting some variation in outcomes across institutions.

The four-year earnings figure of $57,341 tells an important story: it's essentially flat from year one. While some accounting graduates see steady progression as they move toward CPA licensure and senior roles, this stagnation raises questions about whether graduates are advancing into higher-paying positions or remaining in entry-level roles longer than ideal. The national benchmark of $53,694 provides some reassurance that Minnesota accounting salaries run higher overall, but the lack of upward trajectory here is notable.

For an accounting degree that should open doors to a stable, middle-class career, the estimated numbers suggest a workable but unspectacular outcome. The debt burden won't be crushing, and first-year earnings should support loan payments. However, without seeing the salary growth that typically accompanies professional development in accounting, you'll want to investigate whether this program adequately prepares students for CPA exams and career advancement—factors that often explain the difference between plateau and progression in this field.