Accounting at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW-Green Bay's accounting graduates start with solid earning power at $59,104—outperforming the Wisconsin median by $2,400 and landing in the 70th percentile nationally. That's respectable territory for a program with an 88% admission rate, putting graduates within striking distance of more selective state universities. The $27,151 median debt creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning graduates can realistically pay down their loans without financial strain.
The challenge here is growth: earnings inch up just 5% over four years to $62,040. Compare that trajectory to what you might expect from top Wisconsin programs like Madison ($68,909) or Marquette ($67,665), where accounting graduates typically see steeper advancement curves. Still, this program delivers 60th percentile earnings within Wisconsin while keeping debt well below both state and national averages—a combination that suggests smart financial management rather than underperformance.
For families prioritizing stable employment over maximum earning potential, this program offers strong risk-adjusted returns. Your child enters the workforce earning more than most accounting graduates nationally, with debt that won't dominate their financial decisions. Just recognize that the slower earnings progression means UW-Green Bay prepares graduates for solid accounting careers rather than fast-track positions at major firms.
Where University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
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 Wisconsin-Green Bay graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay graduates earn $59k, placing them in the 70th 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 Wisconsin
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (31 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $59,104 | $62,040 | $27,151 | 0.46 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $68,909 | $78,931 | $21,294 | 0.31 |
| Marquette University | $67,665 | $80,539 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $62,450 | $68,207 | $23,264 | 0.37 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $61,926 | $67,874 | $21,500 | 0.35 |
| Carthage College | $61,887 | $70,257 | $27,000 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Wisconsin
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison | $11,205 | $68,909 | $21,294 |
| Marquette University Milwaukee | $48,700 | $67,665 | $25,000 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse | $9,651 | $62,450 | $23,264 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater | $8,250 | $61,926 | $21,500 |
| Carthage College Kenosha | $36,500 | $61,887 | $27,000 |
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 Wisconsin-Green Bay, approximately 23% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.