Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,001
Est. from national median (118 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,979
Est. from national median (70 programs)

Analysis

An estimated debt load of $15,979 for an associate's degree in accounting looks manageable on paper, particularly when similar programs nationally carry a median debt of $19,354. The estimated first-year earnings of $37,001, based on comparable accounting programs nationwide, sits right at the national median—suggesting this credential typically provides solid entry-level earning power. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, graduates from peer programs can generally expect to carry less than half a year's salary in debt, which positions them for reasonable repayment timelines.

However, Kansas sets a higher bar. Comparable accounting programs across the state suggest median first-year earnings closer to $40,630, with nearby Butler Community College reporting actual outcomes of $37,496 and Rasmussen hitting $43,765. The gap between Kansas City Kansas Community College's estimated figure and what similar Kansas programs deliver raises questions about whether graduates here match state-level opportunities, or whether local job market access differs. The lower debt estimate helps offset this concern, but it's worth investigating whether graduates land the same quality positions that drive stronger earnings elsewhere in the state.

For families prioritizing affordability and a practical career path, this program's estimated numbers suggest a functional return—but the lack of reported data means you're making decisions without seeing this school's actual track record. Before committing, verify job placement rates and talk to recent graduates about their real-world outcomes.

Where Kansas City Kansas Community College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeKansas City$3,150$37,001*$15,979*
Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka$15,340$43,765*$44,358$23,823*0.54
Butler Community CollegeEl Dorado$3,556$37,496*$35,016$18,407*0.49
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 Kansas City Kansas Community College, approximately 31% 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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.