Accounting at Herzing University-Minneapolis

This small program's numbers tell a troubling story, particularly when you compare them to other Minnesota accounting certificate options. Graduates here earn $31,620 in their first year—barely matching the national median but falling well short of Minnesota's typical $39,563. More concerning, earnings actually drop to $26,473 by year four, a 16% decline that suggests many graduates struggle to advance or maintain consistent employment. Minnesota's strongest program (Rasmussen) produces earnings nearly 50% higher, showing this isn't simply a low-ceiling field.

The debt burden compounds the problem. While $24,252 might seem manageable compared to a four-year degree, it's substantially higher than both the national median ($13,047) and Minnesota's typical debt load ($18,650) for these certificates. You're looking at nearly a year's worth of first-year earnings in debt for credentials that appear to lose value over time. The institution's 94% admission rate and high Pell grant percentage (52%) suggest it serves students who may have limited options, but the outcomes don't justify the cost.

The extremely small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year, but the pattern is concerning enough to warrant serious alternatives. For an accounting certificate in Minnesota, you'd likely get better value elsewhere—particularly at programs that show earnings growth rather than decline.