Accounting at Washburn University

Washburn University's accounting program puts students on solid financial footing with manageable debt and steadily growing salaries, though the small sample size means these numbers may not tell the full story. Graduates start at $55,197—outperforming both national and Kansas medians—and importantly, carry just $20,853 in debt. That's roughly $4,000 less than typical accounting grads borrow statewide, giving Washburn students a meaningful head start on building wealth rather than servicing loans.

Within Kansas, this program ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, placing it comfortably in the middle tier alongside established programs like Fort Hays State and Friends University. While Kansas State and Wichita State grads earn slightly more out of the gate, the difference narrows to about $4,000 annually—not enough to offset Washburn's debt advantage when you're making your first car payment or apartment lease. The 7% earnings growth to year four suggests stable career progression, typical for accounting professionals who often see compensation tied to certification milestones.

The caveat: fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset means one or two unusual outcomes could skew the picture significantly. Still, the combination of below-average debt and above-average starting salary creates a favorable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow most graduates to tackle their loans without major lifestyle sacrifices while pursuing their CPA credentials.