Analysis
This community college certificate punches well above its weight class. First-year earnings of $41,532 place Davidson-Davie graduates in the 83rd percentile nationally for accounting certificates—substantially higher than the national median of $31,684. Even within North Carolina's competitive accounting landscape, these earnings land at the 60th percentile, essentially matching programs at larger institutions like Wake Tech.
The estimated debt of around $15,500 creates a manageable 0.37 ratio to first-year earnings, meaning graduates would need roughly four-and-a-half months of gross pay to cover their educational investment. This estimate is based on national patterns for similar community college programs, since Davidson-Davie's actual debt figures aren't publicly available due to small graduate cohorts. For context, the typical accounting certificate in North Carolina carries debt closer to $17,000, suggesting this program likely runs somewhat leaner than state averages.
For families seeking a quick credential that delivers immediate earning power, this program shows promising signals. The strong earnings data suggests Davidson-Davie's connections to local employers in the Thomasville area translate into genuine job placement advantages. Just understand you're working with estimated debt figures—the actual number could vary, though it's unlikely to deviate dramatically from the $15,500 benchmark given how community college certificate programs typically price out.
Where Davidson-Davie Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Davidson-Davie Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Accounting certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,978 | $41,532 | — | $15,516* | — | |
| $2,336 | $38,258 | $37,019 | $16,592* | 0.43 | |
| $2,367 | $35,972 | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $31,684 | — | $13,047* | 0.41 |
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 Davidson-Davie Community College, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.