Analysis
An Associate's degree in Accounting at the College of Micronesia-FSM comes with unique considerations tied to both its remote Pacific location and limited available data. Since graduate outcomes for this specific program aren't reported due to small sample sizes, we're working with national benchmarks: similar programs across the U.S. suggest first-year earnings around $37,000 with typical debt near $16,000. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 looks manageable on paper—well below the concerning 1.0 threshold—but context matters enormously here.
The challenge is that national accounting figures reflect mainland U.S. job markets and cost structures that may bear little resemblance to opportunities in Micronesia. Accounting skills are certainly transferable and valued across government offices, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the Federated States, but salary scales and available positions likely differ significantly from continental benchmarks. The 63% Pell Grant rate suggests this institution primarily serves students with financial need, many of whom may remain in the region after graduation where the local economy operates on a different scale than U.S. comparisons would suggest.
For families considering this program, the key question isn't whether the national debt-to-earnings picture looks reasonable—it's whether accounting credentials from COM-FSM open adequate local opportunities to justify the investment. Connect directly with the college's career services to understand where recent graduates actually work and what they earn in Micronesian contexts, since borrowed national data can't answer those fundamental questions.
Where College of Micronesia-FSM Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Accounting associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,050 | $37,001* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| $2,550 | $58,469* | $44,916 | $22,215* | 0.38 | |
| $8,216 | $52,576* | $50,545 | $24,956* | 0.47 | |
| $31,168 | $52,576* | $50,545 | $24,956* | 0.47 | |
| $5,050 | $49,685* | $48,712 | —* | — | |
| $6,270 | $48,832* | — | $19,254* | 0.39 | |
| 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 College of Micronesia-FSM, approximately 63% 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.