Analysis
The estimated $25,418 in debt for William Jewell's accounting program sits right at the national median, while projected first-year earnings of roughly $50,200 fall below the national benchmark of $53,694. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 signals manageable repayment, but the gap between this program and Missouri's strongest accounting schools deserves attention. Peer programs at Mizzou and Saint Louis University report graduates earning $13,000-$15,000 more in their first yearβa substantial difference when you're starting loan payments.
Missouri's accounting landscape varies considerably, and these estimates suggest William Jewell's program tracks closer to the state median than to top-tier outcomes. For a selective private college (34% admission rate), that positioning may raise questions about competitive advantage. The actual graduate outcomes could be stronger or weaker than these peer-based projections, but comparable programs across Missouri haven't demonstrated the kind of earning power that makes a bachelor's degree in accounting a standout investment at this price point.
With limited actual data available, parents should request placement rates and average starting salaries directly from William Jewell's career services. The estimated numbers suggest adequate but unexceptional returnsβacceptable if your student is committed to accounting and values the small-college experience, but not compelling enough to ignore potentially stronger programs elsewhere in Missouri.
Where William Jewell College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (33 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $19,890 | $50,218* | β | $25,418* | β | |
| $14,130 | $65,057* | $81,583 | $20,707* | 0.32 | |
| $53,244 | $63,153* | β | $26,820* | 0.42 | |
| $27,166 | $61,237* | $65,069 | $25,125* | 0.41 | |
| $9,470 | $59,919* | $64,972 | $23,250* | 0.39 | |
| $9,739 | $56,565* | $58,085 | $25,591* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694* | β | $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 William Jewell College, approximately 28% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 18 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.