Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,264
Est. from GA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$8,507
Est. from national median (17 programs)

Analysis

An accounting certificate with an estimated debt load of $8,507 stands out in Georgia, where similar programs typically leave students owing nearly three times that amount at $24,252. Based on comparable programs across the state, first-year earnings around $36,264 suggest a manageable debt burdenβ€”you're looking at roughly three months of gross pay to clear the credential's cost. That's unusually lean for professional training, though it's worth noting this estimate comes from just four other Georgia accounting certificate programs, not tracked outcomes from Gwinnett College-Lilburn itself.

The earnings estimate aligns with Georgia's median for this credential and actually edges above the national figure of $31,684, positioning graduates in competitive territory for entry-level accounting work. With 82% of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population where keeping debt low matters enormously. The estimated 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests the math could work for someone seeking quick entry into bookkeeping or accounts payable roles without the time and expense of a bachelor's degree.

The caveat here is real: small graduate cohorts mean we're relying on peer program data rather than actual outcomes from this school. If you're considering this path, verify with Gwinnett directly what roles their certificate graduates actually land and whether the abbreviated timeline (versus an associate degree) limits advancement options in accounting firms or corporate finance departments.

Where Gwinnett College-Lilburn Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Accounting certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (30 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Gwinnett College-LilburnLilburn$10,850$36,264*β€”$8,507*β€”
Interactive College of Technology-ChambleeChamblee$11,330$36,264*$17,679β€”*β€”
Interactive College of Technology-MorrowMorrow$11,210$36,264*$17,679β€”*β€”
Interactive College of Technology-GainesvilleGainesville$11,210$36,264*$17,679β€”*β€”
Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta$13,420$31,620*$26,473$24,252*0.77
National Medianβ€”$31,684*β€”$13,047*0.41
* 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 Gwinnett College-Lilburn, approximately 82% 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 median of 4 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.