Est. Earnings (1yr)
$54,785
Est. from NE median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,893
Est. from NE median (3 programs)

Analysis

In Nebraska, accounting bachelor's degrees produce first-year earnings ranging from roughly $52,000 to $68,000, and York University's estimated $54,785 places it squarely in the middle of this pack—right alongside the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and just above Bellevue University. These estimates, drawn from other Nebraska accounting programs, suggest typical outcomes for the state rather than York-specific results. The estimated $26,893 in debt sits close to what's typical both statewide and nationally, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 that's manageable by standard measures.

What matters here is whether York can deliver outcomes comparable to its state peers. The school serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (44%), suggesting it provides access to students who might not attend pricier alternatives like Creighton. If York's actual graduates match these peer-based projections, the financial proposition is reasonable—debt that a mid-$50K salary can handle without extraordinary strain.

The uncertainty cuts both ways: York might outperform these estimates, or it might fall short. Before committing, press the school for placement rates and typical starting salaries for their accounting graduates specifically. If they can demonstrate outcomes in line with these peer benchmarks—or better—this represents a practical path into a stable profession without the premium price tag of Nebraska's top-tier programs.

Where York University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
York UniversityYork$21,600$54,785*$26,893*
Creighton UniversityOmaha$47,000$68,070*$79,988$26,893*0.40
Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityLincoln$41,658$60,923**
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$54,785*$62,681$21,500*0.39
Bellevue UniversityBellevue$8,886$53,819*$59,340$40,350*0.75
Doane UniversityCrete$40,491$52,160*$59,830$26,324*0.50
National Median$53,694*$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 York University, approximately 44% 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 5 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.