Accounting at Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech's accounting certificate shows why it's important to look beyond first impressions. While starting earnings of $23,271 land in just the 27th percentile nationally, there's a crucial detail: this program sits at the 60th percentile among Indiana accounting certificates and matches the state median exactly. More importantly, earnings jump 47% to $34,154 by year four—that's a $10,883 increase that closes much of the gap with pricier alternatives. At $8,333 in debt, students here borrow 36% less than the national median for accounting certificates.

The low first-year earnings make sense for a certificate program where many students likely work while completing their credentials. What matters is the trajectory and the cost. Students are getting in-state training that positions them for steady income growth without the debt burden typical of this credential—the debt here ranks in the 5th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of programs leave students owing more). For families questioning whether a community college certificate can lead somewhere, this data suggests it absolutely can, particularly in Indiana's job market.

Your child won't immediately out-earn accounting graduates from four-year programs, but they'll start earning sooner, carry minimal debt, and see meaningful salary progression. For a household managing cost carefully, this represents a practical path into accounting work.