Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,265
61st percentile
80th percentile in Georgia
Est. Median Debt
$15,979
Est. from national median (70 programs)

Analysis

Georgia Northwestern Technical College's accounting program stands out in the state, with first-year earnings of $39,265 ranking in the 80th percentile among Georgia programs—well above the state median of $26,968 and nearly matching top-performer Gwinnett Technical College. These graduates also earn more than the typical accounting associate's degree holder nationally ($37,000), suggesting the program delivers competitive preparation despite serving a significant population of Pell grant recipients.

Based on comparable programs nationally, graduates likely carry around $15,979 in debt—yielding a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio that's notably better than many accounting programs. The actual debt for Georgia programs tends to run slightly lower (around $13,557), which could mean the true burden here is even lighter. Either way, this debt level represents roughly five months of first-year earnings, making it reasonably payable for someone starting at nearly $40,000.

For parents weighing community college options in northwest Georgia, this program combines strong earning potential with moderate debt estimates. The caveat is that the debt figure comes from national patterns rather than this school's actual graduates, so individual outcomes will vary based on how much students need to borrow. Still, the strong earnings performance—outpacing most Georgia competitors by significant margins—suggests graduates enter the job market well-positioned to handle whatever education costs they've incurred.

Where Georgia Northwestern Technical College Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Georgia Northwestern Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (32 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeRome$3,132$39,265—$15,979*—
Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville$3,356$40,820$38,181$17,919*0.44
West Georgia Technical CollegeWaco$3,122$28,346$31,769—*—
North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesville$3,162$26,968$34,722—*—
Interactive College of Technology-ChambleeChamblee$11,330$26,189$23,396$13,557*0.52
Interactive College of Technology-MorrowMorrow$11,210$26,189$23,396$13,557*0.52
National Median—$37,000—$19,354*0.52
* 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 Georgia Northwestern Technical College, approximately 39% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 10 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.