Analysis
Westminster College's accounting graduates start at $52,721—below both the Pennsylvania median ($57,966) and sitting in just the 40th percentile among the state's 76 accounting programs. For context, Pennsylvania's top-tier programs like Villanova and Lehigh place graduates earning $77,000+, while even mid-tier options surpass $70,000. The debt burden of $26,638 is manageable with a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51, but you're paying similar amounts to what students at higher-earning programs carry.
The 32% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing graduates to nearly $70,000 by year four. However, with a sample size under 30 graduates, these figures could shift significantly year to year. For an accessible program—Westminster admits 86% of applicants—these outcomes aren't alarming, but they're also not competitive within Pennsylvania's accounting market.
If your child is set on accounting and Westminster for other reasons (location, fit, financial aid), the math works out fine. But if career earnings are the priority, dozens of Pennsylvania programs deliver stronger starting salaries for comparable debt. Run the actual financial aid numbers before committing—if Westminster offers substantial grants that bring net cost below competitors, that changes the equation considerably.
Where Westminster College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Westminster College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster College | $52,721 | $69,544 | +32% |
| Lehigh University | $77,026 | $95,363 | +24% |
| Bucknell University | $75,776 | $93,021 | +23% |
| Villanova University | $77,966 | $91,268 | +17% |
| University of Scranton | $70,453 | $85,314 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Westminster CollegeNew Wilmington | $39,470 | $52,721 | $69,544 | $26,638 | 0.51 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $77,966 | $91,268 | $25,858 | 0.33 |
 Lehigh UniversityBethlehem | $62,180 | $77,026 | $95,363 | $23,179 | 0.30 |
 Bucknell UniversityLewisburg | $64,772 | $75,776 | $93,021 | $26,881 | 0.35 |
 University of ScrantonScranton | $52,309 | $70,453 | $85,314 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $70,069 | $76,765 | $28,832 | 0.41 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Westminster College, approximately 25% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.