Accounting at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

UW-River Falls accounting graduates start at $56,825—slightly above both the state median ($56,688) and the national benchmark ($53,694)—while carrying just $21,000 in debt, roughly $5,000 less than typical Wisconsin accounting students. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio is excellent, meaning graduates owe less than five months' salary. The 18% earnings bump by year four suggests solid career progression, though the starting salary trails the state's flagship programs by $10,000-$12,000.

Here's the critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so a single exceptional (or struggling) cohort could skew these numbers significantly. With an 82% admission rate, UW-River Falls offers accessible entry into accounting without the debt burden you'd find at more selective programs. The trade-off appears to be modestly lower initial earnings—you're looking at middle-of-the-pack performance statewide rather than top-tier outcomes.

For families prioritizing value over prestige, the math works: reasonable debt, solid starting salaries, and clear career trajectory. Just recognize you're betting on limited data, and your child would need to hustle for the same Big Four or corporate positions that Madison or Marquette graduates might access more easily.