Analysis
St. Joseph's University-New York's accounting program produces graduates earning $49,789 in their first yearβabout $4,000 below both the national and New York state medians for accounting degrees. Among the 76 accounting programs across New York, this ranks squarely in the middle at the 40th percentile, trailing significantly behind schools like Fordham ($76,473) and even mid-tier options like Molloy ($70,344). The roughly $25,000 debt load is manageable at half of first-year earnings, matching typical debt levels for the field.
The positive story here is solid earnings growth: graduates see a 24% bump to $61,821 by year four, which closes much of the initial gap with stronger programs. That trajectory suggests employers value the experience these graduates gain on the job, even if the degree itself doesn't command premium starting salaries. For students who can commute from home and minimize additional living expenses, the moderate debt and reasonable earnings growth make this a workable path into accounting.
However, families should recognize they're paying for a middle-of-the-pack outcome in a competitive New York market. If your child has the credentials for SUNY Binghamton (similar tuition, $74,000 starting salary) or can qualify for comparable aid at Fordham, those investments would pay significantly higher dividends. This program works best for students who need the accessibility of a 71% admission rate and prefer Brooklyn's location, while understanding they'll start their careers earning 20-30% less than graduates from the state's top accounting programs.
Where St. Joseph's University-New York Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How St. Joseph's University-New York graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's University-New York | $49,789 | $61,821 | +24% |
| Fordham University | $76,473 | $96,453 | +26% |
| Yeshiva University | $69,252 | $87,338 | +26% |
| Syracuse University | $75,294 | $85,784 | +14% |
| Binghamton University | $74,151 | $84,365 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (76 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $34,535 | $49,789 | $61,821 | $24,750 | 0.50 | |
| $61,992 | $76,473 | $96,453 | $23,970 | 0.31 | |
| $63,061 | $75,294 | $85,784 | $27,000 | 0.36 | |
| $10,363 | $74,151 | $84,365 | $19,500 | 0.26 | |
| $46,140 | $71,436 | $79,786 | $23,250 | 0.33 | |
| $37,840 | $70,344 | $84,281 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 St. Joseph's University-New York, approximately 34% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 76 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.