Analysis
The University of Toledo's accounting program sits squarely in the middle of Ohio's offerings, ranking at the 40th percentile among in-state options. First-year earnings of $52,700 trail the state median by nearly $4,000, and the gap persists even after four years when graduates earn $62,290—still below what Ohio State or Miami grads typically start with. For context, top Ohio accounting programs launch graduates at salaries $5,000 to $15,000 higher.
The financial equation does work reasonably well, though. At just under $21,000 in debt—significantly lower than both state and national medians—Toledo graduates face a manageable debt burden that represents only 40% of first-year earnings. That's a meaningful advantage when many accounting programs saddle students with $25,000 or more. The 18% earnings growth to year four also suggests solid career progression, even if the starting point lags peers.
For families prioritizing affordability over prestige, Toledo delivers professional credibility without crushing debt. Your child will likely need to work harder to compete for top accounting firm positions against Ohio State or Miami grads, but the CPA credential matters more than the diploma in this field. The real question is whether the $10,000 savings in debt justifies starting $4,000 behind in earnings—and for most middle-class Ohio families, that math probably works out fine.
Where University of Toledo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Toledo graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toledo | $52,700 | $62,290 | +18% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | +25% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | +14% |
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,377 | $52,700 | $62,290 | $20,973 | 0.40 | |
| $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 | |
| $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 | |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Toledo, approximately 26% 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 79 graduates with reported earnings and 74 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.