Analysis
Similar accounting programs in North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $48,500, paired with roughly $22,800 in debtβa 0.47 ratio that's manageable for a professional degree. However, the lack of specific outcome data for UNC Pembroke's program means you're evaluating this opportunity based on what other North Carolina schools typically produce, not what's actually happened with graduates from this particular campus.
The estimated earnings sit below both the national median ($53,700) and what North Carolina's top accounting programs report. Schools like NC State and Appalachian State place graduates earning $56,000-$57,000 in their first year, while Elon reaches nearly $70,000. That $8,000-$21,000 gap matters when you're building a career in a field where starting salaries often determine your trajectory. North Carolina's accounting market is competitive, and employers may differentiate between programs based on factors like CPA exam pass rates, internship networks, and alumni connectionsβdetails you'll need to investigate separately.
For families with limited resources (48% of students here receive Pell grants), the modest debt load offers some protection. But accounting isn't a field where all bachelor's degrees lead to equivalent outcomes. Before committing, verify UNC Pembroke's CPA exam pass rates, ask about Big Four and regional firm recruiting on campus, and talk to recent graduates about where they landed. The debt won't crush you, but you want assurance that the credential opens the doors you're counting on.
Where University of North Carolina at Pembroke Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,571 | $48,489* | β | $22,814* | β | |
| $44,536 | $69,764* | $87,359 | $20,000* | 0.29 | |
| $8,895 | $56,606* | $70,576 | $20,946* | 0.37 | |
| $7,541 | $55,671* | $67,922 | $23,262* | 0.42 | |
| $19,500 | $55,224* | $60,099 | $25,982* | 0.47 | |
| $7,461 | $53,705* | $55,852 | $22,612* | 0.42 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 North Carolina at Pembroke, approximately 48% 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 21 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.