Est. Earnings (1yr)
$51,694
Est. from TN median (10 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,491
Est. from TN median (4 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville$29,790$51,694*$23,491*
Tennessee State UniversityNashville$8,568$53,620*$50,033$29,250*0.55
Lee UniversityCleveland$22,690$53,577*$70,035$16,750*0.31
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville$13,484$53,197*$71,799$22,000*0.41
Strayer University-TennesseeMemphis$13,920$52,373*$56,398$54,989*1.05
Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro$9,506$51,963*$59,969$24,553*0.47
National Median$53,694*$25,000*0.47
* 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 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.