Analysis
Thomas More accounting graduates start at $55,385โabout $5,000 above Kentucky's median and ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 22 programs. That's a solid outcome for an accessible school with a 97% admission rate, putting graduates ahead of larger state universities like Louisville and Western Kentucky. The $27,000 median debt sits right at the state average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that graduates can realistically handle on an entry-level accounting salary.
The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these figures could shift significantly year to year. That said, the combination of below-national-median debt and above-state-median earnings suggests Thomas More prepares students adequately for Kentucky's accounting job market without overloading them with loans. The program won't compete with UK or Transylvania's outcomes, but it costs less to attend and delivers comparable results to mid-tier state schools.
For families prioritizing access and reasonable debt over prestige, Thomas More's accounting program appears to work. Graduates earn enough in their first year to make steady progress on loans, and they're competitive with peers from larger Kentucky institutions. Just remember the small sample size means you're looking at a snapshot, not a guaranteed outcome.
Where Thomas More University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Thomas More University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,400 | $55,385 | โ | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| $13,212 | $59,474 | $67,805 | $23,250 | 0.39 | |
| $44,980 | $58,803 | $62,272 | $27,000 | 0.46 | |
| $10,896 | $52,425 | $61,901 | $23,750 | 0.45 | |
| $12,828 | $51,923 | $64,110 | $19,374 | 0.37 | |
| $11,436 | $50,104 | $58,675 | $25,000 | 0.50 | |
| National Median | โ | $53,694 | โ | $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 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.