Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,001
Est. from national median (118 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,291
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 is manageable by most standards, but the gap between this program's estimated $26,291 debt load and what comparable accounting associate degree programs typically require—just $7,370 at the state median and $19,354 nationally—demands attention. The earnings estimate of $37,001 aligns with what similar programs across the country produce, suggesting reasonable career prospects. Yet when Nebraska accounting grads elsewhere are finishing with roughly a quarter of the debt, it raises questions about whether Union Adventist's private-school premium translates to real advantages for students.

The bigger challenge is uncertainty itself. With data too limited for the DOE to report actual outcomes, you're evaluating this program based on broad national benchmarks rather than verified results from Union Adventist's own graduates. That's not a red flag about quality necessarily—small cohorts simply don't generate publishable data—but it does mean you're making a significant financial decision without knowing how this specific program's alumni fare in Nebraska's accounting job market.

If your child is committed to Union Adventist for reasons beyond academics—faith community, campus culture, specific mentorship—the estimated financials aren't prohibitive. But purely as an accounting credential investment, programs at Nebraska's public colleges would likely deliver similar career preparation at dramatically lower cost. The difference could easily fund a bachelor's degree later or provide a financial cushion during early career years.

Where Union Adventist University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Accounting associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Union Adventist UniversityLincoln$27,990$37,001*—$26,291*—
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$58,469*$44,916$22,215*0.38
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion$8,216$52,576*$50,545$24,956*0.47
Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion$31,168$52,576*$50,545$24,956*0.47
North Hennepin Community CollegeBrooklyn Park$5,050$49,685*$48,712—*—
Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell$6,270$48,832*—$19,254*0.39
National Median—$37,000*—$19,354*0.52
* 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 Union Adventist University, approximately 24% 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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.