Location: Jackson, MI•In-State Tuition: $7,040•Out-of-State Tuition: $9,795
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,181
Est. from MI median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,248
Est. from MI median (4 programs)

Analysis

An estimated debt load of $13,248 for an associate's accounting degree is considerably lower than what peer programs typically carry—similar Michigan institutions report median debt around $17,600, and the national figure sits near $19,400. This lighter debt burden matters when first-year earnings from comparable programs hover around $36,200 in Michigan, producing a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37.

The estimated earnings align closely with both state and national benchmarks for associate-level accounting programs, suggesting solid demand for entry-level accounting work in Michigan. Oakland Community College graduates report slightly higher earnings at $40,400, but Jackson's estimated outcomes track with other regional programs like Baker College and Grand Rapids Community College. For students planning to work while completing a bachelor's degree, or those entering bookkeeping and accounts payable roles directly, these numbers represent practical career preparation.

The relatively low estimated debt is the standout feature here, particularly given that 34% of Jackson students receive Pell grants. While we can't know this specific program's actual outcomes until more graduates enter the workforce, the combination of below-average debt and market-rate earnings suggested by peer programs makes this a reasonable investment for students committed to accounting work in Michigan.

Where Jackson College Stands

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

Jackson College (estimated ±10%)Other accounting programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (35 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Jackson CollegeJackson$7,040$36,181*—$13,248*—
Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills$3,020$40,424*$46,109$21,496*0.53
Baker CollegeOwosso$12,810$36,181*$38,187$26,067*0.72
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids$4,059$35,538*$42,721$12,750*0.36
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 Jackson College, approximately 34% 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 3 similar programs in MI. Actual outcomes may vary.