Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Accounting certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (52 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fayetteville Technical Community College$33,111
Davidson-Davie Community College$41,532
Wake Technical Community College$38,258$37,019$16,5920.43
Catawba Valley Community College$35,972
National Median$31,684$13,0470.41

Other Accounting Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Davidson-Davie Community College
Thomasville
$1,978$41,532
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh
$2,336$38,258$16,592
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory
$2,367$35,972

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 Fayetteville Technical Community College, approximately 34% 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.