Analysis
Wilson College's accounting program lacks reported outcomes due to small graduate cohorts, but Pennsylvania's typical accounting bachelor's produces first-year earnings around $58,000 with $27,000 in debtβa manageable 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates earn roughly twice what they owe. This positions the program squarely in the middle of Pennsylvania's accounting landscape, though well behind the state's elite private universities where accounting graduates often crack $70,000 or more in their first year.
The challenge here isn't the estimated debt load, which aligns with both state and national norms for accounting degrees. It's the uncertainty itself. When a program consistently produces too few graduates for the Department of Education to track outcomes, it raises questions about employment pipelines, recruiting relationships with accounting firms, and whether students receive the networking opportunities that larger programs typically provide. Accounting is a field where campus recruiting and firm connections matter significantly for launching careers.
For families willing to bet on Pennsylvania accounting averages materializing at a small liberal arts college, the financial framework looks reasonable. But you're making that bet without the safety net of actual performance data from this specific programβa meaningful risk when Pennsylvania offers dozens of accounting programs with verified track records.
Where Wilson College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,000 | $57,966* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $64,701 | $77,966* | $91,268 | $25,858* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $77,026* | $95,363 | $23,179* | 0.30 | |
| $64,772 | $75,776* | $93,021 | $26,881* | 0.35 | |
| $52,309 | $70,453* | $85,314 | $27,000* | 0.38 | |
| $60,663 | $70,069* | $76,765 | $28,832* | 0.41 | |
| 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 Wilson College, approximately 27% 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 42 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.