Accounting at Youngstown State University

Youngstown State's accounting program sits squarely in the middle of the national pack, but lags behind most Ohio competitors. With first-year earnings of $53,227 falling below both the national median ($53,694) and especially the Ohio median ($56,440), graduates here start roughly $3,200 behind the typical Ohio accounting grad. Among the state's 57 accounting programs, this ranks in just the 40th percentile.

The financial picture isn't dire—with $23,279 in median debt and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, graduates can manage their loans comfortably. That's actually less debt than the typical Ohio accounting student carries. However, the modest 4% earnings growth over four years means the initial gap doesn't close much. Meanwhile, top Ohio programs like Miami University and Ohio State see their graduates earning $12,000-15,000 more annually, a difference that compounds significantly over a career.

For families prioritizing affordability and accessibility (reflected in YSU's 80% admission rate and lower tuition), this program delivers a functional accounting credential without crushing debt. But for students who can gain admission to more competitive Ohio state schools, the earnings premium elsewhere would likely offset any additional costs within a few years. The value here depends heavily on what other options are realistically on the table.