Accounting at University of Richmond

University of Richmond's accounting program produces graduates who outearn 95% of accounting majors nationally and 80% of those in Virginia—a remarkable outcome for a program that costs students far less in debt than most competitors. At $20,757 in median debt, graduates owe roughly $5,000 less than both state and national averages, while earning $71,508 right out of college. That 0.29 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can pay off their loans in under four months of gross salary, one of the strongest positions you'll find in undergraduate accounting.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy too, with graduates seeing 21% growth to $86,270 by year four. Richmond trails only Washington and Lee among Virginia accounting programs, while charging significantly less in debt than most. The selective admissions (23% acceptance rate) suggest this program attracts academically strong students who likely benefit from the school's business network and recruiting connections.

For families concerned about accounting as a career investment, this is about as solid as it gets. The combination of top-tier earnings, manageable debt, and steady growth means your child would enter the profession with genuine financial flexibility—whether that's paying down loans quickly, saving aggressively, or pursuing CPA certification without financial stress.