Analysis
Tennessee accounting programs cluster tightly around $52,000 in first-year earnings, and Trevecca's estimated outcomes align with this state baseline. With projected debt of $23,491—slightly below Tennessee's median for accounting degrees—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 suggests manageable repayment. Similar programs in the state show consistent employment outcomes whether graduates come from Tennessee State, UT-Knoxville, or regional private schools, indicating accounting credentials tend to standardize fairly well across institutions.
The challenge here is the limited sample size preventing actual outcome reporting. While comparable Tennessee accounting programs produce reliable early returns, you're making a financial commitment without program-specific graduate data. The national benchmark ($53,694) sits just $2,000 higher than Tennessee's typical outcome, meaning geography may matter more than institution for this field. Nashville's growing business services sector should provide entry opportunities, but accounting hiring depends heavily on CPA exam preparation and internship connections—factors these estimates can't capture.
For a professional credential like accounting where licensing matters considerably, verify Trevecca's CPA exam pass rates and Big Four/regional firm recruiting presence. The estimated debt load won't sink your child's finances if outcomes match peer schools, but you're essentially betting on Tennessee's accounting market average rather than demonstrated results from this specific program.
Where Trevecca Nazarene University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $29,790 | $51,694* | — | $23,491* | — | |
| $8,568 | $53,620* | $50,033 | $29,250* | 0.55 | |
| $22,690 | $53,577* | $70,035 | $16,750* | 0.31 | |
| $13,484 | $53,197* | $71,799 | $22,000* | 0.41 | |
| $13,920 | $52,373* | $56,398 | $54,989* | 1.05 | |
| $9,506 | $51,963* | $59,969 | $24,553* | 0.47 | |
| 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 Trevecca Nazarene University, approximately 30% 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 10 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.