Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
With roughly half of Woodbury students receiving Pell grants, the estimated $25,000 in debt for this accounting program lands right at the national median—a manageable load for students who typically enter accounting with an eye toward stable career paths. The estimated first-year earnings of $62,200 match California's median for accounting bachelor's programs, suggesting graduates here track with state norms despite our inability to see this specific cohort's outcomes. By year four, actual reported earnings of $75,952 show strong progression, putting graduates within reach of the state's top-performing programs.
The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable California programs indicates that students would need less than half their first-year income to cover total borrowing—a reasonable threshold for a professionally-oriented degree. What matters more is whether Woodbury's particular advantages—its smaller size, Burbank location with access to entertainment industry accounting roles, and track record with first-generation students—translate into the kind of outcomes suggested by these peer program estimates.
The real question is network and placement strength. While similar California accounting programs produce these results, you're betting that Woodbury delivers comparable value without the reported data to confirm it. If your child thrives in smaller settings and the school's career services actively place accounting graduates, the estimated numbers suggest sound fundamentals. Request actual placement data and starting salary information directly from the program before committing.
Where Woodbury University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodbury University | — | $75,952 | — |
| Santa Clara University | $78,417 | $101,411 | +29% |
| University of San Francisco | $72,588 | $92,299 | +27% |
| Menlo College | $71,067 | $92,161 | +30% |
| Loyola Marymount University | $70,960 | $91,902 | +30% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,886 | $62,202* | $75,952 | $24,969* | — | |
| $59,241 | $78,417* | $101,411 | $19,250* | 0.25 | |
| $68,237 | $73,903* | $90,072 | $16,500* | 0.22 | |
| $50,670 | $72,696* | $75,436 | $21,858* | 0.30 | |
| $58,222 | $72,588* | $92,299 | $24,660* | 0.34 | |
| $51,070 | $71,067* | $92,161 | $26,955* | 0.38 | |
| 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 Woodbury University, approximately 49% 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 26 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.