Accounting at University of Jamestown

With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, this accounting program appears manageable based on what similar programs across North Dakota typically produce. The estimated $26,588 in debt sits close to the national median for accounting bachelor's degrees ($25,000), while the projected first-year earnings of $55,490 align with the state median. That math—roughly half a year's salary in debt—suggests graduates could realistically tackle repayment while building their careers.

The challenge is context. North Dakota has several accounting programs with actual reported outcomes, and they show considerable range. The state's flagship universities report first-year earnings in the $57,000-$61,000 range, while smaller institutions come in around $51,000-$53,000. Without University of Jamestown's specific graduate data, it's unclear where this program falls in that spectrum. The school's 94% admission rate and relatively low Pell grant percentage (26%) suggest a private institution serving a traditional student population, but those factors don't predict post-graduation outcomes.

For accounting specifically, credentials matter as much as the degree itself—CPA licensure fundamentally changes earning potential. If this program adequately prepares students for the CPA exam and provides the required credit hours, the estimated debt load wouldn't be alarming. Before committing, verify the program's CPA exam pass rates and confirm whether graduates need additional coursework to sit for the exam, as that would add both time and cost beyond these figures.