Accounting at Strayer University-North Carolina

Strayer University-North Carolina's accounting program serves a predominantly working-class student population (80% receive Pell grants) and delivers above-average results within North Carolina, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide. Graduates earn $52,373 initially, climbing to $56,398 by year four—notably outpacing the NC median of $48,489. This matters because most students will compare against regional alternatives, and Strayer holds its own against several UNC system schools in terms of graduate earnings.

The challenge is debt. At nearly $55,000, graduates carry more than double both the national and state typical loads for accounting degrees. This creates a first-year debt burden that matches annual earnings almost exactly—a tighter squeeze than the national norm where accounting grads typically owe less than half their starting salary. That said, the program demonstrates consistent earnings growth, and accounting offers clearer professional pathways than many fields, which helps with loan repayment.

For families weighing this program, the calculation hinges on alternatives. If your child has access to a public university like NC State (which produces similar earnings with likely lower in-state debt), that's the better financial bet. But for students who need Strayer's flexibility—whether due to work schedules, location, or admission requirements—the program delivers competitive North Carolina earnings despite the debt load. The key is ensuring your child completes the degree and enters the accounting field directly after graduation.