Analysis
Susquehanna's accounting graduates start at $65,209βabout $7,000 above Pennsylvania's median for accounting programs and nearly $12,000 above the national benchmark. That 88th percentile national ranking signals strong outcomes, though the 60th percentile within Pennsylvania reflects the state's generally robust accounting market, where Susquehanna competes with more selective programs like Villanova and Lehigh. The modest $27,000 debt load (25th percentile nationally) creates a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe less than half their first-year salary.
The program shows healthy earnings growth of 16% by year four, reaching $75,426, which puts Susquehanna graduates within striking distance of elite Pennsylvania programs that start higher. Given the university's 79% admission rate, these outcomes represent solid executionβstudents are getting professional outcomes without needing elite credentials or taking on excessive debt.
The catch: this data comes from fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual circumstances could significantly skew these numbers. Still, the fundamentals look sound. If your student wants accounting credentials without the pressure of highly selective admissions or the debt burden that often accompanies private education, Susquehanna delivers competitive career preparation at a reasonable financial cost. The program punches above its admissions profile.
Where Susquehanna University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Susquehanna University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susquehanna University | $65,209 | $75,426 | +16% |
| Lehigh University | $77,026 | $95,363 | +24% |
| Bucknell University | $75,776 | $93,021 | +23% |
| Villanova University | $77,966 | $91,268 | +17% |
| University of Scranton | $70,453 | $85,314 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $57,400 | $65,209 | $75,426 | $27,000 | 0.41 | |
| $64,701 | $77,966 | $91,268 | $25,858 | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $77,026 | $95,363 | $23,179 | 0.30 | |
| $64,772 | $75,776 | $93,021 | $26,881 | 0.35 | |
| $52,309 | $70,453 | $85,314 | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $60,663 | $70,069 | $76,765 | $28,832 | 0.41 | |
| 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 Susquehanna University, approximately 24% 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 28 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.