Accounting at Century College

Century College's accounting associate degree produces first-year earnings of $46,996—well above the national median of $37,000 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. With estimated debt around $21,469 based on comparable Minnesota programs, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, meaning they'd owe less than half their first-year salary. That's a solid foundation for an accounting career that typically leads to steady, middle-class employment.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates earn less four years out ($42,456) than they do in their first year. This 10% decline is unusual for accounting programs, which typically see modest growth as workers gain experience and credentials. It's unclear whether this reflects graduates moving to part-time work, pursuing further education, or hitting a ceiling without additional credentials like a bachelor's degree or CPA license. Within Minnesota, Century sits in the middle of the pack—behind North Hennepin's $49,685 but ahead of several other community colleges.

For parents, the value proposition depends heavily on what comes next. If this associate degree is a stepping stone to a four-year program or professional certification, the strong starting salary and modest debt make it a reasonable investment. If it's a terminal credential, that earnings decline suggests graduates may need to be strategic about career advancement to maintain their initial earning power.