Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $63,366 at California State University-San Marcos come in 18% above the national median of $53,724 for Accounting and Related Services programs.
With a 23.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 18% 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 $63,366 far exceeding the $20,452 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
California State University-San Marcos ranks #25 among 714 Accounting and Related Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 28% earnings increase from $63,366 to $81,423 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.