Analysis
An online accounting degree from Touro University Worldwide faces stiff competition in California's crowded market. While peer accounting programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $62,000—solidly above the national median—this figure masks the reality that California's top accounting programs produce graduates earning $70,000 to $80,000 right out of the gate. The estimated $25,000 in debt sits at about the national norm for accounting degrees, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.4, but the crucial question is whether an online degree from a lesser-known institution commands the same starting salaries as programs with stronger employer recognition.
The high Pell grant percentage (52%) suggests Touro serves students who need affordable pathways to accounting credentials, and online flexibility may be essential for working adults. But accounting is a credential-sensitive field where CPA exam passage rates, recruiting pipelines, and institutional reputation heavily influence starting salaries. Without actual outcome data for Touro's graduates, parents should investigate the school's Big Four and regional firm placement rates and compare them to state universities or established private programs. If flexibility and affordability are priorities and you can verify that employers in your target market recognize the degree, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable—but don't assume you'll automatically hit that $62,000 benchmark without strong networking and recruiting support from the program.
Where Touro University Worldwide Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $14,600 | $62,202* | — | $24,969* | — | |
| $59,241 | $78,417* | $101,411 | $19,250* | 0.25 | |
| $68,237 | $73,903* | $90,072 | $16,500* | 0.22 | |
| $50,670 | $72,696* | $75,436 | $21,858* | 0.30 | |
| $58,222 | $72,588* | $92,299 | $24,660* | 0.34 | |
| $51,070 | $71,067* | $92,161 | $26,955* | 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 Touro University Worldwide, approximately 52% 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 26 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.