Accounting at Strayer University-Virginia

Four years out, this program's graduates earn $46,000—a solid figure that exceeds the Virginia median of $37,000 for associate accounting programs and puts them ahead of comparable options like Tidewater Community College. The estimated first-year earnings of $37,000 align with state norms, though they trail Liberty University's outcomes by about $4,000.

The debt picture looks manageable based on Strayer's typical borrowing patterns across programs. An estimated $23,800 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. That's notably better than Virginia's median debt load of $26,300 for accounting associates, though it exceeds the national figure by about $4,500. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, federal aid could reduce these amounts significantly for many families.

The four-year earnings jump from an estimated $37,000 to nearly $46,000 suggests decent wage growth as graduates gain experience and credentials. For students planning to work in Northern Virginia's strong accounting market, these outcomes—while estimated—suggest reasonable value. The key is keeping actual debt below that $24,000 estimate through aid and staying in-market where accounting jobs are abundant.