Median Earnings (1yr)
$65,144
88th percentile
80th percentile in Florida
Median Debt
$18,003
28% below national median

Analysis

University of Florida's accounting graduates enter the workforce earning $65,144β€”substantially outpacing both the national median ($53,694) and the typical Florida accounting program ($51,837). Among Florida's 42 accounting programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile, clearly ahead of larger in-state alternatives like UF's sister schools FSU and UCF. That earnings advantage grows over time, with four-year graduates earning $75,355, a 16% increase that suggests strong career trajectories.

The debt picture amplifies the value proposition. At $18,003, graduates carry roughly $7,600 less debt than the Florida median and $7,000 below the national benchmark. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means students owe less than four months of their first-year salaryβ€”an exceptionally comfortable position for recent graduates. For perspective, accounting graduates at many peer institutions face 40-50% higher debt loads while earning less.

The caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than at programs with larger samples. Still, the combination of UF's strong reputation (24% admission rate), significantly lower debt, and superior earnings compared to every other large public university in Florida makes this a standout option for in-state students pursuing accounting. The financial fundamentals are compelling enough that even with a small sample, this program warrants serious consideration.

Where University of Florida Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How University of Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Florida$65,144$75,355+16%
Florida State University$55,626$74,193+33%
The University of Tampa$52,690$71,151+35%
Florida International University$54,963$68,602+25%
University of Central Florida$55,203$68,209+24%

Compare to Similar Programs in Florida

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

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of FloridaGainesville$6,381$65,144$75,355$18,0030.28
University of North FloridaJacksonville$6,389$58,514$66,355$22,6150.39
Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton$4,879$56,600$60,630$19,4310.34
Florida State UniversityTallahassee$5,656$55,626$74,193$18,6250.33
University of Central FloridaOrlando$6,368$55,203$68,209$19,7360.36
Florida International UniversityMiami$6,565$54,963$68,602$18,6250.34
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,0000.47

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 University of Florida, approximately 22% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.