Accounting and Related Services at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
78 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
80
Optimistic
78
Base Case
75
Pessimistic
Earnings $56,101/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)
ROI 15.6x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #131 of 714 Accounting and Related Services programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Accounting and Related Services graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $703K $673K $591K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.3x 15.6x 13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 5.8x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 65% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 80 78 75

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,032
Out-of-state: $115,064 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,592
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,172
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,013
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ball State University's Accounting and Related Services program produces graduates earning $56,101/yr — within striking distance of the $53,724 national average for this field.

With a 15.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 16% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Accounting and Related Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $23,172 in median debt clears quickly against $56,101 in annual earnings.

Ball State University ranks #131 among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 30% earnings increase from $56,101 to $73,013 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ball State University

A 72% acceptance rate means Ball State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 13,770 students in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball State University →

Top Career Paths

Financial managers $161,700/yr
Financial risk specialists $106,000/yr
Financial and investment analysts $101,350/yr
View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Accounting and Related Services at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 78/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Accounting and Related Services at Ball State University?
At 78/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Accounting and Related Services at Ball State University?
The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Ball State University one of the best schools for Accounting and Related Services?
Among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs, Ball State University's #131 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →