Accounting at University of Redlands
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Redlands accounting graduates earn $87,099 four years out—well above the national median of $53,694 and solidly positioned among California's accounting programs, though not at the very top tier. At the 60th percentile statewide, these graduates trail the big names like Santa Clara and USC but outperform most California schools. The $27,000 median debt is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 that gives graduates breathing room to establish their careers. Strong 29% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are advancing into more senior accounting roles.
The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift significantly with a different cohort. That said, the pattern makes sense for a selective liberal arts university with a professional program—solid preparation and strong regional placement without the premium price tag or elite credentials of USC or Santa Clara. For an 81% acceptance rate school, these outcomes punch above weight.
For parents weighing options, this program delivers strong value if your child gets in-state tuition or substantial aid. The debt burden is reasonable, and the earnings trajectory suggests graduates are competitive in the California job market. Just recognize you're looking at a small sample—ask the school about recent placement rates and whether these numbers hold across multiple graduating classes.
Where University of Redlands Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
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 Redlands graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Redlands graduates earn $67k, placing them in the 94th 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 California
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Redlands | $67,359 | $87,099 | $27,000 | 0.40 |
| Santa Clara University | $78,417 | $101,411 | $19,250 | 0.25 |
| University of Southern California | $73,903 | $90,072 | $16,500 | 0.22 |
| California Lutheran University | $72,696 | $75,436 | $21,858 | 0.30 |
| University of San Francisco | $72,588 | $92,299 | $24,660 | 0.34 |
| Menlo College | $71,067 | $92,161 | $26,955 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara | $59,241 | $78,417 | $19,250 |
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $73,903 | $16,500 |
| California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks | $50,670 | $72,696 | $21,858 |
| University of San Francisco San Francisco | $58,222 | $72,588 | $24,660 |
| Menlo College Atherton | $51,070 | $71,067 | $26,955 |
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 Redlands, approximately 35% 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 17 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.