Accounting at Susquehanna University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Susquehanna's accounting graduates start at $65,209—about $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 execution—students 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
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 Susquehanna University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Susquehanna University graduates earn $65k, placing them in the 88th 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 Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susquehanna University | $65,209 | $75,426 | $27,000 | 0.41 |
| Villanova University | $77,966 | $91,268 | $25,858 | 0.33 |
| Lehigh University | $77,026 | $95,363 | $23,179 | 0.30 |
| Bucknell University | $75,776 | $93,021 | $26,881 | 0.35 |
| University of Scranton | $70,453 | $85,314 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Drexel University | $70,069 | $76,765 | $28,832 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $77,966 | $25,858 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $77,026 | $23,179 |
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $75,776 | $26,881 |
| University of Scranton Scranton | $52,309 | $70,453 | $27,000 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $70,069 | $28,832 |
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.