Analysis
This Connecticut State Community College accounting program produces earnings that outperform 78% of similar associate's programs nationwide, with first-year graduates earning $42,591—well above the national median of $37,000 for accounting associate's degrees. That competitive edge matters when you're carrying an estimated $15,979 in debt, a figure derived from national patterns for programs at community colleges like this one.
The debt-to-earnings picture looks manageable at 0.38, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary. That's considerably better than the typical burden for accounting associate's programs nationally, where median debt runs over $19,000. Earnings also show healthy momentum, climbing 23% to reach $52,194 by year four—a trajectory that further eases the debt load over time.
The real uncertainty here is that debt estimate. Community colleges vary widely in cost structure, and Connecticut's in-state tuition could differ substantially from the national average used to generate this figure. Before committing, get the actual cost breakdown from the school directly—tuition, fees, and what percentage of students finish without borrowing. If the true debt comes in near or below this estimate, the program's strong earnings performance makes it a solid foundation for an accounting career.
Where Connecticut State Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Connecticut State Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut State Community College | $42,591 | $52,194 | +23% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $37,986 | $53,096 | +40% |
| Nassau Community College | $35,513 | $51,744 | +46% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $52,576 | $50,545 | -4% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $52,576 | $50,545 | -4% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,092 | $42,591 | $52,194 | $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 Connecticut State Community College, approximately 44% 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.