Median Earnings (1yr)
$53,940
51st percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$23,750
5% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.44
Manageable
Sample Size
62
Adequate data

Analysis

University of West Georgia's accounting program delivers solid returns at a reasonable price, outperforming 60% of Georgia accounting programs despite the university's accessible admissions profile. Starting at $53,940, graduates earn slightly above the national median and well ahead of Georgia's $50,583 state median—a meaningful advantage for students who'll likely work in-state after graduation.

The debt picture strengthens the value proposition. At $23,750, borrowers graduate with less debt than typical Georgia accounting students ($26,000) and face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44. Within four years, earnings climb to $57,358, putting graduates within striking distance of what Kennesaw State delivers while avoiding the debt loads often seen at private alternatives like Oglethorpe. With 42% of students receiving Pell grants, this access-oriented program successfully converts moderate SAT scores into competitive accounting careers.

The tradeoff is clear: UWG won't match UGA's $64,000 starting salaries, but it costs considerably less to attend and positions graduates comfortably in Georgia's accounting job market. For families prioritizing affordability without sacrificing employment outcomes, this program does exactly what a regional public university should—provides dependable entry into a stable profession without crushing debt.

Where University of West Georgia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

University of West GeorgiaOther accounting programs

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 West Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of West Georgia graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 51th 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 Georgia

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (38 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of West Georgia$53,940$57,358$23,7500.44
University of Georgia$64,058$76,298$23,2500.36
Kennesaw State University$57,814$65,652$26,0000.45
Oglethorpe University$56,121$77,243$26,0000.46
Georgia State University$55,761$62,731$25,5000.46
DeVry University-Georgia$54,264$54,099$54,3801.00
National Median$53,694—$25,0000.47

Other Accounting Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Georgia
Athens
$11,180$64,058$23,250
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw
$5,786$57,814$26,000
Oglethorpe University
Atlanta
$45,806$56,121$26,000
Georgia State University
Atlanta
$8,478$55,761$25,500
DeVry University-Georgia
Decatur
$17,488$54,264$54,380

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 West Georgia, approximately 42% 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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 79 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.