Median Earnings (1yr)
$51,923
42nd percentile (60th in KY)
Median Debt
$19,374
23% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.37
Manageable
Sample Size
93
Adequate data

Analysis

The University of Louisville's accounting program delivers a compelling combination that many Kentucky families overlook: significantly lower debt than both state and national averages while maintaining solid earnings. Graduates here leave with $19,374 in debt compared to $26,000 statewide—a difference that translates to roughly $65 less in monthly payments over a standard 10-year repayment period. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means students typically owe less than 40% of their first year's salary, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. Starting at $51,923 might trail the national median slightly, but it's squarely middle-of-the-pack for Kentucky accounting programs and grows 24% by year four to $64,110. At that point, Louisville graduates are out-earning those from several more selective Kentucky programs. The 60th percentile state ranking is particularly meaningful here—you're getting better-than-average performance from an accessible program with an 81% admission rate.

For families weighing cost against outcomes, Louisville's accounting program offers a practical path. Your child won't carry the debt burden typical of Kentucky accounting students, and they'll reach competitive mid-career earnings while spending less to get there. That financial breathing room early in a career shouldn't be underestimated when considering entry-level accounting positions.

Where University of Louisville Stands

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

University of LouisvilleOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Louisville graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 42th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (22 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Louisville$51,923$64,110$19,3740.37
University of Kentucky$59,474$67,805$23,2500.39
Transylvania University$58,803$62,272$27,0000.46
Thomas More University$55,385$27,0000.49
Northern Kentucky University$52,425$61,901$23,7500.45
Western Kentucky University$50,104$58,675$25,0000.50
National Median$53,694$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Kentucky

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Kentucky
Lexington
$13,212$59,474$23,250
Transylvania University
Lexington
$44,980$58,803$27,000
Thomas More University
Crestview Hills
$38,400$55,385$27,000
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights
$10,896$52,425$23,750
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green
$11,436$50,104$25,000

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 Louisville, approximately 29% 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 93 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.