Analysis
With similar Iowa accounting programs showing first-year earnings around $59,000 and debt near $27,000, William Penn appears positioned right at the state median—though without actual graduate outcomes from this school, that's an assumption based on peer performance. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 suggests manageable repayment, typically allowing graduates to handle their loans within standard timelines if earnings hold steady.
The challenge is context. Drake and University of Iowa accounting graduates earn roughly $65,000 in their first year—about $6,000 more than the statewide median William Penn is estimated against. That gap matters over time: it's the difference between paying down debt faster or having less cushion for living expenses. Penn's 46% Pell grant population and 996 average SAT suggest the school serves students who may have fewer financial safety nets, making that earnings difference more consequential.
For families considering William Penn specifically, the uncertainty here is real. The estimates suggest competitiveness with Iowa's accounting market, but you're deciding based on what similar schools produce, not what this program delivers. If your student has admission offers from schools with reported outcomes—especially those $61,000+ programs—you have clearer data to weigh. If Penn offers significant merit aid or your child needs the smaller campus environment, the estimated numbers aren't alarming, but verify actual job placement rates and employer connections before committing.
Where William Penn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (23 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28,750 | $59,252* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $49,944 | $65,922* | $75,593 | $20,500* | 0.31 | |
| $10,964 | $65,373* | $77,201 | $22,500* | 0.34 | |
| $51,040 | $61,529* | $68,921 | $26,840* | 0.44 | |
| $38,298 | $61,147* | $70,373 | —* | — | |
| $9,728 | $61,088* | $71,359 | $21,525* | 0.35 | |
| 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 William Penn University, approximately 46% 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 17 similar programs in IA. Actual outcomes may vary.