Accounting at University at Buffalo

UB's accounting graduates start below average but experience something relatively rare: significant mid-career momentum. That first-year salary of $47,474 sits well below both the state median ($51,525) and national average ($53,694), placing the program in just the 40th percentile statewide. But four years out, earnings jump 46% to nearly $70,000—a growth rate that suggests graduates are steadily breaking into better roles or advancing within their firms.

The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At under $20,000, graduates carry roughly $5,000 less than typical New York accounting students and 21% below the national median. This makes the initial earnings gap easier to absorb, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 that's quite manageable. While top programs like Fordham or Syracuse produce higher starting salaries, they often come with significantly steeper price tags—and UB grads appear to be catching up by year four anyway.

For families prioritizing value over prestige, this delivers. Your child won't command top-of-market offers immediately, but the combination of low debt and strong earnings growth creates a sensible financial foundation. The program attracts a sizable portion of Pell-eligible students (32%), suggesting it serves as an accessible entry point to a stable profession without the crushing debt that can derail early-career financial planning.