Analysis
Wittenberg's accounting program sits right at the median for Ohio, with comparable programs in the state suggesting first-year earnings around $56,400 against an estimated $27,000 in debt. That 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable territory for accounting degrees, where steady entry-level demand typically helps graduates manage their debt load. However, it's worth noting that Ohio's strongest accounting programs—including Case Western, Miami, and Ohio State—produce graduates earning $60,000 to $68,000 in their first year, a meaningful premium that compounds over time.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With a 91% admission rate and fewer than 10% of Ohio schools having this level of market access, Wittenberg may offer a viable path for students who need a less selective option. But because these figures are estimates from peer programs rather than actual outcomes for Wittenberg graduates, you're making an educated guess about return on investment. The national and state medians suggest accounting degrees generally deliver solid value, but whether Wittenberg specifically matches that pattern remains unclear due to insufficient graduate data.
For families comfortable with some ambiguity, the estimated numbers suggest manageable debt for a field with reliable job prospects. But if you're weighing this against Ohio programs with documented outcomes—particularly if your student could access them—those schools offer more certainty about what you're buying.
Where Wittenberg University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,602 | $56,441* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $64,671 | $67,830* | $78,857 | $25,000* | 0.37 | |
| $17,809 | $67,743* | $77,503 | $23,000* | 0.34 | |
| $47,600 | $65,127* | $72,243 | $27,000* | 0.41 | |
| $12,859 | $62,399* | $77,705 | $23,284* | 0.37 | |
| $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 Wittenberg University, approximately 29% 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 36 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.