Accounting at Westminster College
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Westminster College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Westminster College graduates earn $53k, placing them in the 46th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster College | $52,721 | $69,544 | $26,638 | 0.51 |
| Villanova University | $77,966 | $91,268 | $25,858 | 0.33 |
| Lehigh University | $77,026 | $95,363 | $23,179 | 0.30 |
| Bucknell University | $75,776 | $93,021 | $26,881 | 0.35 |
| University of Scranton | $70,453 | $85,314 | $27,000 | 0.38 |
| Drexel University | $70,069 | $76,765 | $28,832 | 0.41 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villanova University Villanova | $64,701 | $77,966 | $25,858 |
| Lehigh University Bethlehem | $62,180 | $77,026 | $23,179 |
| Bucknell University Lewisburg | $64,772 | $75,776 | $26,881 |
| University of Scranton Scranton | $52,309 | $70,453 | $27,000 |
| Drexel University Philadelphia | $60,663 | $70,069 | $28,832 |
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.