Analysis
Puerto Rico's accounting associate programs typically produce significantly lower earnings than mainland U.S. programsβthe state median sits at just $26,373 compared to the $37,000 national figure. Dewey University-Carolina's estimated first-year earnings of $37,001 would put this program well above both the state median and comparable programs like NUC University, though these figures are derived from national benchmarks rather than tracked outcomes from Dewey's own graduates.
The estimated debt load of $26,291 exceeds both Puerto Rico's typical $16,500 and the national median of $19,354 for accounting associate programs. For a school serving 85% Pell-eligible students, this higher borrowing becomes particularly important. Even if graduates do achieve earnings near the national median, they'd be carrying $5,000-$10,000 more debt than peers at other Puerto Rico accounting programs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 suggests manageable payments if the earnings estimate holds true, but there's meaningful uncertainty here. Without actual graduate outcome data from this specific program, you're weighing higher estimated costs against hoped-for earnings that would buck Puerto Rico's regional pattern. Given the state's lower accounting salary benchmarks, verify whether Dewey's graduates are actually securing positions that justify the premium debt load before committing.
Where Dewey University-Carolina Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Puerto Rico
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Puerto Rico (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,630 | $37,001* | β | $26,291* | β | |
| $8,054 | $26,373* | $25,190 | $16,500* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | β | $37,000* | β | $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 Dewey University-Carolina, approximately 85% 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.