Accounting at University of Minnesota-Crookston

The $33,391 debt load for this accounting program stands out immediately—it's significantly lower than what most Minnesota programs charge (state median: $26,978), yet earnings start strong at $56,627. That's above the national median for accounting degrees, though notably below what you'd see at Minnesota's flagship campuses where graduates earn $10,000 more right out of the gate. The 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe about seven months of gross salary, which is manageable territory for any accounting graduate.

The concerning piece is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn slightly less four years out than they do in year one. While this modest decline could reflect the program's rural location or the career paths graduates choose, it's worth noting that Minnesota accounting grads at the state's top programs typically see their earnings grow during this same period. The 40th percentile ranking among Minnesota programs confirms this is middle-of-the-pack for the state, despite performing reasonably well nationally.

If cost containment matters more than maximizing starting salary, this program delivers solid value—you're getting above-national-average outcomes without the debt burden of pricier alternatives. But if you're comparing within Minnesota's competitive accounting landscape, the combination of flat earnings and mid-tier starting salaries suggests exploring programs at the Twin Cities campus or private schools where the career momentum appears stronger.