Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,694
Est. from IL median (29 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,250
Est. from IL median (18 programs)

Analysis

Trinity Christian College's accounting program appears positioned near the middle of Illinois's competitive landscape, though the actual outcomes for its specific graduates remain unclear. Estimated first-year earnings of $54,694 align with the state median for accounting programs, putting it substantially below the top tier—where Illinois schools like UIUC and Loyola produce graduates earning $70,000 to $75,000—but within range of what similar programs across the state typically deliver.

The estimated debt load of $25,250 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, suggesting graduates would devote less than half their first-year salary to what they borrowed. That's a workable starting point for an accounting career, where professional development and CPA certification often drive substantial earnings growth in years two through five. The school's 33% Pell grant population indicates meaningful socioeconomic diversity, which matters for families where college affordability weighs heavily.

The core challenge is uncertainty: both figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than actual Trinity Christian outcomes. For a parent evaluating this investment, the question becomes whether you're comfortable with a program that likely performs near the Illinois median when clearer alternatives exist. If your student has admission options at schools with verified outcomes—particularly those showing stronger earnings trajectories—those merit serious consideration. If Trinity Christian offers other compelling advantages like smaller classes, faith integration, or specific faculty relationships, the estimated financial profile doesn't rule it out, but you're making that choice without the data clarity most families prefer.

Where Trinity Christian College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (42 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Trinity Christian CollegePalos Heights$20,325$54,694*$25,250*
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign$16,004$74,731*$80,736$20,500*0.27
Illinois Wesleyan UniversityBloomington$55,704$70,831*$85,000$27,000*0.38
Loyola University ChicagoChicago$51,716$69,965*$82,642$22,125*0.32
DePaul UniversityChicago$44,460$69,250*$80,614$24,500*0.35
Bradley UniversityPeoria$39,680$65,842*$72,938$26,925*0.41
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 Trinity Christian College, approximately 33% 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 29 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.