Accounting at St. John's University-New York

St. John's accounting graduates start below both the national and New York medians at $46,495, landing in just the 21st percentile nationally and 40th in the state. That's a significant gap—roughly $10,000 below what students at Fordham or Syracuse earn initially. However, the program's strength emerges over time: earnings jump 68% by year four to nearly $78,000, surpassing many higher-ranked programs and suggesting that St. John's graduates land with solid firms that value the credential after initial experience.

The $26,495 in median debt is reasonable and slightly above state norms, creating a manageable 0.57 debt-to-earnings ratio despite the modest starting salary. Students should expect to tread water financially in those first couple of years out—Queens isn't cheap to live in on $46,000. But accounting is a profession where credentials and early job placement matter less than many realize, and the four-year trajectory here shows employers eventually recognize St. John's graduates as capable.

The tradeoff is clear: accept lower initial earnings in exchange for strong mid-career growth and moderate debt. If your child is willing to live frugally early or has family support during those first years, this path works. If they need immediate earning power to cover expenses, consider the higher-ranked New York programs—or be prepared to supplement their income initially.