Median Earnings (1yr)
$61,164
77th percentile
60th percentile in Indiana
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from IN median (15 programs)

Analysis

Taylor University's accounting program delivers strong first-year earnings of $61,164β€”landing in the 77th percentile nationally and beating the Indiana state median by over $4,000. That's a solid outcome that puts graduates ahead of most accounting programs nationwide and positions them competitively within the state, trailing only elite private schools like Notre Dame and Saint Mary's along with Purdue's large public program.

The estimated debt figure of $27,000, derived from comparable Indiana programs at similar institutions, produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44β€”meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. Based on peer programs in Indiana, this suggests a manageable repayment scenario where monthly loan payments would consume roughly 6-7% of gross income on a standard plan. The national benchmark for accounting debt sits at $25,000, so this estimate tracks closely with what you'd expect for the field.

What makes this picture relatively straightforward is that accounting has clear career paths with predictable entry-level compensation. While we're working with estimated debt rather than Taylor-specific data, the earnings figure is real and places graduates well within the range where accounting degrees typically pay off. The gap between Taylor's outcomes and the top-tier programs is notable but not alarmingβ€”you're getting 80% of Notre Dame's first-year earnings at presumably a fraction of the cost.

Where Taylor University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Taylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (33 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Taylor UniversityUpland$39,104$61,164β€”$27,000*β€”
University of Notre DameNotre Dame$62,693$76,878$89,081$19,000*0.25
Saint Mary's CollegeNotre Dame$51,430$71,234β€”$27,000*0.38
Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette$9,992$63,021$74,894$19,500*0.31
Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne$30,446$62,287$52,151$29,048*0.47
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional StudiesFort Wayne$9,900$62,287$52,151$29,048*0.47
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

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 Taylor University, approximately 13% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.