Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $58,784 at Western Governors University come in 9% above the national median of $53,724 for Accounting and Related Services programs.
With a 19.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 14% 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.
With first-year pay of $58,784 far exceeding the $15,915 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Western Governors University ranks #122 among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $58,784 to $68,709 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.