Accounting at University of Wisconsin-Parkside

UW-Parkside's accounting program offers a striking advantage that often matters more than first-year numbers: exceptionally low debt. While starting salaries lag behind Wisconsin's median by about $9,000, graduates leave with just $14,760 in student loans—roughly half the state average and far below the national median of $25,000. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross earnings.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. That initial $47,648 jumps to $62,492 by year four—a 31% increase that nearly closes the gap with higher-ranked Wisconsin programs. By year four, these graduates earn just $6,000 less than the median four-year accounting graduate at UW-La Crosse or UW-Whitewater, but they started with half the debt burden. For students considering Madison or Marquette, the question becomes whether the $6,000-20,000 higher starting salary justifies potentially double the student loans.

For families prioritizing financial safety and steady career growth, this represents a smart middle path. You're getting credentialed accounting education at a price point that minimizes financial risk while still accessing solid mid-career earnings. The program won't compete with UW-Madison for Big Four firm placement, but for students planning to work in southeastern Wisconsin's robust manufacturing and business services sector, the combination of low debt and strong earnings growth makes this a defensible choice.