Accounting and Related Services at Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
59
Optimistic
57
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,280/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #640 of 714 Accounting and Related Services programs

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 $570K $559K $513K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 65% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 57 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$160,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,284
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,270
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,537
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Buena Vista University's Accounting and Related Services program produces graduates earning $53,280/yr — within striking distance of the $53,724 national average for this field.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 10% 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 — $23,270 in median debt clears quickly against $53,280 in annual earnings.

A #640 ranking among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs places Buena Vista University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $53,280 to $58,537 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Buena Vista University

A 72% acceptance rate means Buena Vista University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,378 students in Storm Lake, IA. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $73,284 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Buena Vista 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

Other Majors at Buena Vista University

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 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Accounting and Related Services at Buena Vista University?
At 57/100, the score looks reasonable — but Accounting and Related Services is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Accounting and Related Services at Buena Vista 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.
What do students actually pay for Accounting and Related Services at Buena Vista University?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $160,760. At a net cost of $73,284, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →