Accounting at American International College

Based on comparable accounting programs across the country, graduates of this associate's degree typically earn around $37,000 in their first year—right at the national median. That's a solid starting point for entry-level accounting work. The concern is the estimated debt load of $26,291, which runs considerably higher than what most Massachusetts accounting students carry. Community colleges offering this same degree in the state report median debt of just $12,942, meaning students here may be borrowing roughly twice as much for similar career outcomes.

The 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests the loan burden is manageable but not ideal, particularly when neighboring programs deliver comparable results at half the cost. Northern Essex and Bunker Hill community colleges, for instance, report first-year earnings in the same $36,000-$38,000 range while their students graduate with far less debt. With half of American International's students receiving Pell grants, that extra $13,000 in borrowing represents a meaningful financial difference for families already stretched thin.

For parents weighing this program, the key question is whether the private college environment justifies the premium. The accounting curriculum and credential itself will likely serve students well—associate's degrees in this field lead to real jobs—but the financial structure matters. If comparable programs nearby offer the same career entry point at lower cost, that's worth investigating before committing.