by our College Data Analytics Team
[Accounting](/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/accounting/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their accounting graduates go on to command.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find where accounting graduates earn the most.
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Below are the schools whose accounting graduates go on to earn the most.
University Of Kentucky earned the #1 spot for highest-paid accounting graduates in Kentucky. Located in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Early-career accounting graduates from University Of Kentucky make a median of around $79,925 per year.
A rank of #2 makes Transylvania University one of the highest-paying schools for accounting. Transylvania University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Lexington. After graduating, accounting degree recipients from Transylvania University typically earn about $71,095 annually.
University Of Louisville produces some of the highest-paid graduates in accounting, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a public institution. After graduating, accounting degree recipients from University Of Louisville typically earn about $70,410 annually.
Sullivan University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying accounting schools. Sullivan University is a private for-profit school located in the city of Louisville. After graduating, accounting degree recipients from Sullivan University typically earn about $53,032 annually.
Strong graduate earnings at Western Kentucky University earned it the #5 place for accounting. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. After graduating, accounting degree recipients from Western Kentucky University typically earn about $71,617 annually.
Thomas More College landed the #6 spot for accounting salaries this year. Set in the suburb of Crestview Hills, Thomas More College is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career accounting graduates from Thomas More College make a median of around $55,385 per year.
University Of The Cumberlands came in at #7 for accounting graduate earnings this year. University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit school located in the town of Williamsburg. Students who complete the accounting program here go on to a median salary of roughly $50,102.
Morehead State University placed #8 among the highest-paying schools for accounting. Morehead State University is a public school located in the town of Morehead. Early-career accounting graduates from Morehead State University make a median of around $55,484 per year.
Eastern Kentucky University placed #9 among the highest-paying schools for accounting. Eastern Kentucky University is a public school located in the town of Richmond. Early-career accounting graduates from Eastern Kentucky University make a median of around $57,039 per year.
Murray State University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying accounting schools. Murray State University is a public school located in the town of Murray. Students who complete the accounting program here go on to a median salary of roughly $50,198.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their accounting graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 10 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.