Accounting at University of Utah

The University of Utah's accounting program offers a compelling combination of strong earnings and manageable debt that outperforms most national competitors. At $60,992 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $7,300 more than the typical accounting graduate nationwide—placing this program in the 77th percentile nationally. The debt load of roughly $21,000 means students owe just 4 months' salary, one of the better debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in accounting education.

Within Utah, the program ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only BYU and Weber State among major state schools. What's particularly noteworthy is the trajectory: graduates see 21% earnings growth by year four, reaching over $73,500. That growth rate suggests the program opens doors to career advancement, not just entry-level positions. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonably reliable data without the volatility of smaller cohorts.

For Utah families, this represents solid value from an accessible public university—the 87% admission rate means most qualified students can get in. You're paying less debt than the state median while earning above it, and you're competing effectively with graduates from more selective programs. If your student can handle the academics, this is a straightforward path to a stable accounting career without the debt burden that often accompanies professional degrees.