Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central Lakes College-Brainerd$35,168
North Hennepin Community College$49,685$48,712
Century College$46,996$42,456
Rasmussen University-Minnesota$43,765$44,358$23,8230.54
Anoka-Ramsey Community College$43,520$50,060$22,0830.51
Minnesota State Community and Technical College$39,742$34,414$26,7900.67
National Median$37,000$19,3540.52

Other Accounting Programs in Minnesota

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
North Hennepin Community College
Brooklyn Park
$5,050$49,685
Century College
White Bear Lake
$6,182$46,996
Rasmussen University-Minnesota
St. Cloud
$10,899$43,765$23,823
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids
$5,682$43,520$22,083
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Fergus Falls
$5,900$39,742$26,790

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Central Lakes College-Brainerd, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.