Accounting at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota accounting graduates enter the workforce earning $61,280—roughly $8,000 above the national median for accounting programs and $6,000 above the state median. That 78th percentile national ranking puts UND's program ahead of three-quarters of accounting programs nationwide, though within North Dakota it sits at the 60th percentile, trailing North Dakota State but leading most other in-state options. The $24,780 median debt is right in line with both national and state benchmarks, creating a comfortable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that most parents would find reassuring.

The earnings trajectory shows minimal growth over four years—just a 2% increase to $62,317—which means graduates hit their earning power quickly rather than seeing steady advancement. This pattern isn't necessarily negative for accounting, where professional certifications like the CPA often matter more than years of experience, but it does suggest graduates should prioritize passing the CPA exam early to unlock higher-tier positions.

For North Dakota families, this program offers strong value: above-average starting salaries with manageable debt, from an accessible institution with a 77% admission rate. The early earnings strength gives graduates financial breathing room to pursue their CPA certification, which remains the real driver of long-term accounting career advancement.