Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,261
94th percentile (60th in MD)
Median Debt
$24,922
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.37
Manageable
Sample Size
16
Limited data

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

Stevenson UniversityOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Stevenson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Stevenson University graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 94th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Stevenson University$67,261$73,483$24,9220.37
University of Maryland-College Park$69,821$84,592$15,0000.21
Loyola University Maryland$69,305$86,541$27,0000.39
McDaniel College$65,941$74,227$24,2100.37
Mount St. Mary's University$64,849$67,143$19,5000.30
Towson University$64,012$70,862$21,3750.33
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Maryland

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park
$11,505$69,821$15,000
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore
$55,480$69,305$27,000
McDaniel College
Westminster
$49,647$65,941$24,210
Mount St. Mary's University
Emmitsburg
$47,240$64,849$19,500
Towson University
Towson
$11,306$64,012$21,375

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.