Accounting and Related Services at Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
55 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
56
Optimistic
55
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,261/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (62% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)
ROI 4.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #659 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 $592K $578K $526K
Earnings Multiple 4.4x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 76% 65% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 55 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$133,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$96,548
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,511
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,875
33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Gardner-Webb University's Accounting and Related Services graduates start at $44,261/yr, trailing the $53,724 national average by 18%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 4.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,511 debt-to-$44,261 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #659 out of 714 programs, Gardner-Webb University's financial outcomes for Accounting and Related Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,261 to $58,875 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Gardner-Webb University

A 87% acceptance rate means Gardner-Webb University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,836 students in Boiling Springs, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb 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

How does Gardner-Webb University's Accounting and Related Services program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but Gardner-Webb University trails the majority of Accounting and Related Services programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Accounting and Related Services to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Accounting and Related Services careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 62% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Accounting and Related Services earnings lower at Gardner-Webb University?
Lower starting pay at Gardner-Webb University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →