Accounting (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma) at Danville Area Community College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$45,004

Est. from IL median (4 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$15,516

Est. from national median (26 programs)

Analysis

This accounting certificate carries an estimated debt load of $15,516—higher than what comparable IL programs typically produce ($11,274 median). Based on similar programs in Illinois, first-year earnings around $45,000 would put graduates well above the national benchmark of $31,684, but that debt figure means you're looking at roughly 4-5 months of gross pay to clear this credential's costs. That's manageable, though peer programs in the state appear to achieve similar earnings with less borrowing.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 falls within reasonable territory for a quick-turnaround certificate, and Illinois accounting programs generally outperform national outcomes. Still, the debt estimate exceeds what's typical for community college certificates statewide, which matters when you're evaluating a credential that's meant to provide affordable entry into accounting work. Programs at College of DuPage and even Rasmussen report higher earnings while their students typically carry less debt.

Given that both earnings and debt figures here are drawn from peer programs rather than actual DACC outcomes, you're making financial decisions based on approximations. The practical question: can your family absorb $15,500 in debt if this program's actual results fall short of the Illinois average? If that debt number concerns you, compare directly with programs in Illinois that do report outcomes—several offer transparent data and similar career pathways.

Where Danville Area Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois

Accounting certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (44 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Danville Area Community CollegeDanville	$5,300	$45,004*	—	$15,516*	—
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn	$4,320	$52,724*	—	—*	—
Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford	$13,546	$47,506*	—	$13,047*	0.27
Lewis and Clark Community CollegeGodfrey	$3,552	$42,502*	—	$9,500*	0.22
William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine	$3,822	$31,747*	—	—*	—
National Median	—	$31,684*	—	$13,047*	0.41

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

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 Danville Area Community College, approximately 24% 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 median of 4 similar programs in IL. Actual outcomes may vary.