Accounting at University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa graduates start at $61,088—beating both the national median ($53,694) and Iowa's median ($59,252) for accounting programs. More impressive: they do it while carrying significantly less debt than peers ($21,525 versus $25,000 nationally and $26,920 statewide). That puts this 94%-acceptance-rate public university within striking distance of Drake and Iowa's earnings outcomes while costing considerably less upfront. The 77th percentile national ranking and 60th percentile state ranking reflect a program that overdelivers relative to the institution's overall selectivity.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 means graduates owe roughly four months of their starting salary—a manageable figure that should allow for aggressive debt repayment. Four-year earnings growth of 17% demonstrates steady career progression, with graduates reaching $71,359 by their fourth year. While UNI doesn't crack the top spot in Iowa, it offers 90% of Drake's starting salary at what's likely a fraction of the total cost of attendance.

For families prioritizing value, this is exactly what a solid state university accounting program should deliver: above-average outcomes without the premium price tag or admission stress of flagship alternatives. The moderate sample size provides reasonable confidence in these figures.