Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,319
Est. from VA median (16 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,813
Est. from VA median (6 programs)

Analysis

Virginia's accounting bachelor's programs typically produce first-year earnings around $53,000, and University of Lynchburg's program appears to land right in that range based on comparable programs in the state. The estimated $25,813 in debt yields a manageable 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning roughly half a year's salary to repay, which aligns closely with both state and national medians for accounting degrees. While small sample sizes prevent publishing actual outcomes for this specific program, the peer-based estimates suggest a conventional accounting education profile.

The context matters here: University of Lynchburg's 82% admission rate and modest SAT averages place it in a different tier than programs producing $67,000-$81,000 at Virginia's flagship and elite universities. That $15,000-$30,000 earnings gap right out of college could compound significantly over a career, particularly in a field like accounting where CPA licensure and firm prestige drive compensation. The estimated figures don't tell us whether Lynchburg's graduates secure Big Four positions or work for regional firms—distinctions that profoundly affect long-term earning potential.

For families comparing options, the debt load appears reasonable, but the opportunity cost deserves scrutiny. If your child can access Virginia Tech, JMU, or George Mason—programs with documented outcomes substantially above the state median—the career trajectory advantages may justify similar or even slightly higher debt. This program's value proposition hinges on fit, cost after aid, and realistic employment prospects in your child's target accounting market.

Where University of Lynchburg Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (32 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of LynchburgLynchburg$35,540$53,319*$25,813*
Washington and Lee UniversityLexington$64,525$81,625*$101,332$16,750*0.21
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg$13,576$71,563*$81,138$22,484*0.31
University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond$62,600$71,508*$86,270$20,757*0.29
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg$15,478$70,303*$82,394$18,500*0.26
George Mason UniversityFairfax$13,815$67,291*$80,027$21,500*0.32
National Median$53,694*$25,000*0.47
* 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 University of Lynchburg, approximately 27% 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 median of 16 similar programs in VA. Actual outcomes may vary.