Accounting at York College of Pennsylvania

York College's accounting program sits in an interesting middle ground: it beats the national median by nearly $3,000 annually, but falls slightly below Pennsylvania's unusually strong state median of $57,966. That state comparison matters because Pennsylvania produces some of the country's highest-earning accounting graduates—the state's top programs consistently place in the $70,000-$77,000 range. At 40th percentile statewide, York is solidly mid-tier among Pennsylvania options.

The financial fundamentals look reasonable. With $27,000 in median debt (matching the state median and just above the national figure) and a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can realistically manage their loans. First-year earnings of $56,583 provide enough breathing room for most borrowers. For a school with a 94% admission rate, these outcomes suggest York delivers accessible accounting education without the price premium of more selective institutions.

The practical calculus: if your child qualifies for Pennsylvania's elite accounting programs, those offer substantially higher earnings. But for students seeking solid career preparation without elite-school competition or debt loads, York's combination of manageable costs and above-national-average earnings makes sense. The program does what it promises—prepares students for viable accounting careers—just without the salary boost that Pennsylvania's top tier commands.