Analysis
Wilmington College's accounting program delivers solid protection against debt—graduates leave owing $31,000, well below both the national median ($25,000 adjusted) and Ohio's typical $26,000—but the earnings tell a more complex story. While first-year salaries of $54,451 edge above the national median, they fall short of Ohio's $56,440 median, landing this program in just the 40th percentile statewide. For context, top Ohio accounting programs like Case Western Reserve and Miami University produce graduates earning $67,000+, nearly 25% more.
The fundamentals here aren't broken: the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 is reasonable, and 8% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are building careers, not stalling. But Ohio parents should recognize they're choosing a middle-of-the-pack option in a state with genuinely strong accounting programs. The $2,000 annual earnings gap compared to the state median compounds to roughly $80,000 over a 40-year career.
If your child is drawn to Wilmington's small-school environment and you're prioritizing debt management, this works—the loan burden is genuinely manageable. But if maximizing early career earnings matters, especially given Ohio's competitive job market, stronger in-state programs offer measurably better outcomes without necessarily requiring significantly more debt.
Where Wilmington College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wilmington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington College | $54,451 | $58,680 | +8% |
| Case Western Reserve University | $67,830 | $78,857 | +16% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus | $62,399 | $77,705 | +25% |
| Miami University-Oxford | $67,743 | $77,503 | +14% |
| John Carroll University | $62,145 | $75,037 | +21% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wilmington CollegeWilmington | $30,962 | $54,451 | $58,680 | $31,000 | 0.57 |
 Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland | $64,671 | $67,830 | $78,857 | $25,000 | 0.37 |
 Miami University-OxfordOxford | $17,809 | $67,743 | $77,503 | $23,000 | 0.34 |
 University of DaytonDayton | $47,600 | $65,127 | $72,243 | $27,000 | 0.41 |
 Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus | $12,859 | $62,399 | $77,705 | $23,284 | 0.37 |
 John Carroll UniversityUniversity Heights | $49,100 | $62,145 | $75,037 | $27,000 | 0.43 |
| 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 Wilmington College, approximately 37% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.