Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,209
88th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$27,000
8% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.41
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

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

Susquehanna UniversityOther accounting programs

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)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Susquehanna University$65,209$75,426$27,0000.41
Villanova University$77,966$91,268$25,8580.33
Lehigh University$77,026$95,363$23,1790.30
Bucknell University$75,776$93,021$26,8810.35
University of Scranton$70,453$85,314$27,0000.38
Drexel University$70,069$76,765$28,8320.41
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (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.