Analysis
Mississippi's accounting associate programs show significant variation, with similar programs in the state producing first-year earnings around $28,725. Based on national peer programs, Coahoma's students might expect closer to $37,000—a notable premium if it holds true—though without school-specific data, this remains uncertain. The estimated $16,000 in debt is manageable either way, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 that suggests graduates could reasonably handle repayment.
The real question is whether Coahoma's outcomes align more closely with state or national patterns. If earnings trend toward Mississippi's median of $28,725 rather than the national $37,000, that $16,000 in debt becomes a heavier lift, though still workable. With nearly 60% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are banking on this degree as an affordable entry point to stable accounting work.
For parents evaluating this investment, the estimated figures suggest reasonable financial risk—roughly 5-6 months of earnings in debt. But recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility. Consider whether your child has connections to accounting employers in the Delta region who might provide clarity on local hiring patterns and starting salaries, since those real-world outcomes will matter more than any estimate.
Where Coahoma Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Mississippi
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Mississippi (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,490 | $37,001* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| $3,660 | $28,725* | $34,696 | $10,822* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $37,000* | — | $19,354* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Coahoma Community College, approximately 59% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.