Est. Earnings (1yr)
$59,252
Est. from IA median (17 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$27,000
Est. from IA median (11 programs)

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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
William Penn UniversityOskaloosa$28,750$59,252*$27,000*
Drake UniversityDes Moines$49,944$65,922*$75,593$20,500*0.31
University of IowaIowa City$10,964$65,373*$77,201$22,500*0.34
Wartburg CollegeWaverly$51,040$61,529*$68,921$26,840*0.44
Loras CollegeDubuque$38,298$61,147*$70,373*
University of Northern IowaCedar Falls$9,728$61,088*$71,359$21,525*0.35
National Median$53,694*$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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.