Accounting at Truman State University

Truman State's accounting program punches above its weight for a school with an 80% admission rate. Starting salaries of nearly $60,000 place graduates well ahead of Missouri's state median ($50,218) and in the 73rd percentile nationally—respectable company that trails only Mizzou and Saint Louis University among major state programs. The debt load of $23,250 is also below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 that looks quite manageable.

The caveat here is significant: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, which means one exceptional outcome (or one struggling graduate) can skew the picture substantially. That said, the fundamentals make sense—Truman State has long positioned itself as Missouri's public liberal arts university with selective admission standards (average SAT of 1249), and accounting programs at selective schools typically produce strong outcomes. The 8% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates are progressing normally in their careers.

For parents concerned about ROI, this represents a solid bet if your child handles the academic rigor. You're getting near-flagship results at what's likely a lower price point than Mizzou or the private alternatives, with debt levels that won't be crushing. Just remember these numbers reflect a handful of graduates, not hundreds.