Median Earnings (1yr)
$59,218
71st percentile
Median Debt
$17,116
32% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29
Manageable
Sample Size
98
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Nevada-Reno's accounting program delivers strong earnings with remarkably low debt—a combination that's unusual among business programs. Graduates earn $59,218 in their first year, substantially above both the national median ($53,694) and Nevada's median ($51,405). More importantly, they carry just $17,116 in debt, about $8,000 less than typical accounting graduates nationwide. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means students can reasonably pay off their loans in under a year of focused repayment, giving them financial flexibility right out of college.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Nevada accounting programs, outearning nearby competitors including UNLV. While it's not the state's top performer, the debt advantage matters more here: UNR graduates carry significantly less burden than peers elsewhere. Earnings grow steadily to $69,116 by year four, a healthy 17% increase that suggests solid career progression.

For families weighing in-state options, this program offers a clear advantage—competitive earnings without the debt load that often accompanies accounting degrees. The combination of Nevada's accessible admission (85% acceptance rate) and strong financial outcomes makes this a practical choice for students who want to enter the profession without excessive borrowing. The moderate sample size suggests consistent placement rather than a few outlier success stories.

Where University of Nevada-Reno Stands

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

University of Nevada-RenoOther 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 Nevada-Reno graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Nevada-Reno graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 71th 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 Nevada

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (3 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Nevada-Reno$59,218$69,116$17,1160.29
University of Phoenix-Nevada$51,405$52,008$47,4350.92
University of Nevada-Las Vegas$49,751$64,940$18,1590.36
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Nevada

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nevada schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Phoenix-Nevada
Las Vegas
—$51,405$47,435
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas
$9,142$49,751$18,159

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 Nevada-Reno, approximately 24% 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 98 graduates with reported earnings and 103 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.