Accounting at University of San Diego

University of San Diego's accounting graduates earn $69,240 in their first year—nearly $16,000 above the national median and comfortably ahead of California's typical outcome. That 95th percentile national ranking is impressive, though the 60th percentile state ranking reveals the real story: USD delivers strong results, but you're paying private school tuition in a state where accounting programs generally perform well. Still, with debt under $25,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates can manage their loans while building solid careers.

The earnings trajectory matters here. That jump from $69,240 to $88,651 over four years represents real career progression, suggesting USD's business school connections and San Diego's professional network deliver tangible value beyond graduation. While programs like Santa Clara and USC produce higher earners, they likely come with steeper price tags. USD appears to occupy a sweet spot: meaningfully better than most California accounting programs without the premium you'd pay at the state's elite business schools.

For a family comfortable with modest debt, this program offers reliable entry into a stable profession with clear advancement potential. The low admission of Pell students suggests this school caters to families who can shoulder higher costs, but the payoff justifies the investment for accounting specifically.