Analysis
A $33,500 debt load for earnings that peer Kansas accounting programs suggest will land around $54,000 creates a manageable but not impressive financial picture. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 sits comfortably below the danger zone, meaning your graduate could reasonably pay this off within standard timelines—but they'll be starting about $6,000 behind comparable programs at Kansas State or Wichita State in first-year earning power while carrying roughly $8,000 more debt than the typical Kansas accounting graduate.
Kansas accounting programs generally produce solid outcomes, with the state median matching the national benchmark of around $54,000. What's concerning here is the combination: Tabor's estimated figures suggest both lower earning potential than the state's public universities and higher debt than most Kansas accounting programs carry. That gap matters when you're making monthly loan payments. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, which may partially explain the debt picture, but it doesn't change the financial math your family faces.
The bottom line: accounting credentials typically lead to employment, and these estimated numbers won't trap a graduate in unmanageable debt. But if your child can access one of Kansas's larger public accounting programs—which appear to deliver stronger earnings with less borrowing—that's almost certainly the better financial bet. Tabor might make sense for students who need its specific location or campus culture, but purely as an accounting investment, the estimated returns trail the alternatives.
Where Tabor College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,050 | $53,842* | — | $33,552* | — | |
| $10,942 | $60,155* | $68,922 | $24,250* | 0.40 | |
| $9,322 | $59,448* | $63,799 | $22,250* | 0.37 | |
| $34,800 | $58,320* | $68,559 | $20,500* | 0.35 | |
| $5,633 | $56,503* | $44,024 | $26,000* | 0.46 | |
| $9,578 | $55,197* | $58,768 | $20,853* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694* | — | $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 Tabor College, approximately 38% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in KS. Actual outcomes may vary.