Accounting at Great Falls College Montana State University

With estimated student debt of about $16,000—lower than both the national median of $19,354 and Montana's $20,503—this accounting program appears positioned to deliver reasonable value if the earnings projections hold true. Based on national data from similar associate-level accounting programs, first-year earnings around $37,000 would put the debt-to-income ratio at a manageable 0.43, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly five months of gross income.

The challenge is that these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs rather than actual outcomes from Great Falls College, and Montana's accounting market may differ from national patterns. The state has nine schools offering accounting associate's degrees, creating competition for entry-level positions in a relatively small market. What works in your favor: accounting credentials tend to have clearer career pathways than many associate degrees, and the estimated debt burden is modest enough that even if earnings come in somewhat lower than projected, graduates shouldn't face crushing repayment struggles.

The practical question is whether this credential opens doors to stable bookkeeping or accounting clerk positions in the Great Falls area. Before committing, verify what percentage of recent graduates found accounting work locally and what those jobs actually paid—information the school's career services office should be able to provide. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but actual placement outcomes matter more than projections.