Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $50,350 track close to the $53,724 national median for Accounting and Related Services programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 9.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $32,813 debt-to-$50,350 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #520 out of 714 programs, Ashford University's financial outcomes for Accounting and Related Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $50,350 to $53,394 over five years (6% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.