Analysis
Taylor University's accounting program delivers strong first-year earnings of $61,164βlanding 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 0.44βmeaning 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 alarmingβyou'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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,104 | $61,164 | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $62,693 | $76,878 | $89,081 | $19,000* | 0.25 | |
| $51,430 | $71,234 | β | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $9,992 | $63,021 | $74,894 | $19,500* | 0.31 | |
| $30,446 | $62,287 | $52,151 | $29,048* | 0.47 | |
| $9,900 | $62,287 | $52,151 | $29,048* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $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 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.