Accounting at Des Moines Area Community College

At nearly $47,400 right out of the gate, DMACC's accounting associate's program starts graduates $10,000 ahead of the typical community college accounting grad nationwide—landing in the 95th percentile nationally. That's strong positioning for a two-year degree, especially when you're investing just $22,250 to get there. The debt load sits comfortably below national levels, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that should be manageable even for entry-level bookkeepers or accounting clerks.

The wrinkle here is twofold. First, earnings essentially flatline by year four rather than growing, which is unusual for accounting roles where experience typically commands higher pay. Second, while DMACC beats most programs nationally, it lands right at the Iowa median—meaning half the state's accounting programs deliver similar or better outcomes. With only 16 Iowa schools offering this credential, that's notable competitive context for an in-state student.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift considerably with more data, but the core value proposition holds: you're getting competitive Iowa accounting preparation at a reasonable price point. For parents, this works if your student plans to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, though the flat earnings trajectory suggests limited advancement potential without additional credentials.