Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,209
88th percentile
60th percentile in Pennsylvania
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median

Analysis

Susquehanna's accounting graduates start at $65,209β€”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 executionβ€”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

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Susquehanna UniversitySelinsgrove$57,400$65,209$75,426$27,0000.41
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$77,966$91,268$25,8580.33
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$77,026$95,363$23,1790.30
Bucknell UniversityLewisburg$64,772$75,776$93,021$26,8810.35
University of ScrantonScranton$52,309$70,453$85,314$27,0000.38
Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia$60,663$70,069$76,765$28,8320.41
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.