Accounting (Associate's Degree) at Thomas More University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$37,001

Est. from national median (118 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$26,291

Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

An estimated debt load of $26,291 exceeds what most associate-level accounting programs require, sitting well above both the national median of $19,354 and Kentucky's typical $20,819. Combined with first-year earnings that peer programs suggest will hover around $37,000, this creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71—manageable but not ideal for a two-year credential designed to launch careers quickly.

The earnings estimate comes from national data across similar programs, and it's worth noting that Kentucky's own accounting associate programs show considerably lower median earnings at $26,189. If Thomas More's outcomes track closer to state patterns than national ones, graduates could face a tougher financial position than these estimates suggest. The school's 97% admission rate and modest academic profile indicate it serves students who may have limited alternatives, but that access comes at a cost premium compared to other Kentucky options.

For a family considering this program, the key question is whether the Thomas More credential opens doors that justify the extra $5,000-6,000 in debt beyond state and national norms. Given the limited outcome data available and the significant gap between state and national earnings benchmarks, request information on job placement rates and employer relationships specific to this program before committing. The numbers suggest caution rather than confidence.

Where Thomas More University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Thomas More UniversityCrestview Hills	$38,400	$37,001*	—	$26,291*	—
Interactive College of Technology-NewportNewport	$10,970	$26,189*	$23,396	$13,557*	0.52
National Median	—	$37,000*	—	$19,354*	0.52

* 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 Thomas More University, approximately 22% 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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.