Accounting at University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison's accounting program ranks among the nation's elite—95th percentile nationally—but achieves something more impressive: it delivers those top-tier earnings with 15% less debt than the typical accounting graduate. Starting at nearly $69,000 and climbing to $79,000 by year four, graduates substantially outpace both national and Wisconsin medians. Within Wisconsin, only Marquette produces slightly higher earners, yet Madison graduates carry roughly $4,500 less debt.

The 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe just over three months' salary, making this one of the more manageable debt loads in accounting education. That $21,000 debt figure sits well below the state median of nearly $26,000, giving graduates meaningful financial breathing room early in their careers. The steady 15% earnings growth shows the degree opens doors to progressively better opportunities.

The caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more widely than at programs with larger samples. Still, the underlying fundamentals are strong—Madison's reputation in Wisconsin business circles, combined with solid technical training, creates clear pathways into quality accounting positions. For an in-state student, the combination of Big Ten prestige, below-average debt, and earnings that rank among Wisconsin's best makes this a standout choice.