Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,261
94th percentile
60th percentile in Maryland
Median Debt
$24,922
At national median

Analysis

Stevenson University's accounting program posts impressive numbers—$67,261 starting salary ranks in the 94th percentile nationally—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures might not be reliable indicators of typical outcomes. Among Maryland's 17 accounting programs, however, Stevenson sits comfortably in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing powerhouses like University of Maryland-College Park and Loyola but ahead of the state median. The $24,922 debt load is reasonable and nearly identical to both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth—9% over four years—which is typical for accounting roles where early career advancement depends on gaining experience and completing CPA certification. That $73,483 four-year mark suggests graduates are moving into more senior positions, though it's not the dramatic jump you'd see in fields like tech or finance.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, one or two outliers could significantly skew these numbers either way. If your child has been admitted and likes Stevenson's smaller environment (83% acceptance rate suggests accessible admissions), these results suggest competent career preparation. But given the uncertainty from the small sample, compare carefully with larger, more established programs like Towson or UMD-College Park, which offer more predictable outcomes at similar or better earnings levels.

Where Stevenson University Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Stevenson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Stevenson University$67,261$73,483+9%
Loyola University Maryland$69,305$86,541+25%
University of Maryland-College Park$69,821$84,592+21%
Salisbury University$62,889$77,022+22%
McDaniel College$65,941$74,227+13%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (17 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills$39,708$67,261$73,483$24,9220.37
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park$11,505$69,821$84,592$15,0000.21
Loyola University MarylandBaltimore$55,480$69,305$86,541$27,0000.39
McDaniel CollegeWestminster$49,647$65,941$74,227$24,2100.37
Mount St. Mary's UniversityEmmitsburg$47,240$64,849$67,143$19,5000.30
Towson UniversityTowson$11,306$64,012$70,862$21,3750.33
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 Stevenson University, approximately 29% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.