Analysis
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University serves a predominantly low-income student population (74% receive Pell grants), and while its accounting program lacks specific outcome data, comparable associate's programs in Wisconsin suggest a manageable path forward. Based on similar programs statewide, graduates might expect around $42,400 in first-year earnings against roughly $16,000 in debt—a 0.38 ratio that's well below concerning thresholds. That debt load is also notably lighter than the national median of $19,354 for accounting associate's degrees.
The estimated earnings align closely with Wisconsin's strongest technical colleges, placing this program in competitive territory if the estimates hold. What matters for families weighing this investment is that accounting associate's degrees, particularly in Wisconsin, tend to produce steady outcomes: the state median exactly matches the estimate here, and even top-performing technical colleges only surpass it by $3,000-$4,000. The field itself offers clear professional pathways that don't require further debt-financed education.
For families committed to this institution—perhaps for cultural reasons, given its tribal college mission, or geographic accessibility—the financial picture based on peer programs appears reasonable. The uncertainty here is real, though: without school-specific data, you're trusting that this program performs like its Wisconsin counterparts. If direct employment outcomes or graduate testimonials are available from the university, those become especially valuable in confirming whether these statewide patterns actually apply.
Where Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (22 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,030 | $42,427* | — | $15,949* | — | |
| $4,720 | $45,634* | $48,300 | $22,000* | 0.48 | |
| $4,780 | $45,333* | — | $20,252* | 0.45 | |
| $11,982 | $43,765* | $44,358 | $23,823* | 0.54 | |
| $4,716 | $42,732* | $43,719 | $16,796* | 0.39 | |
| $4,713 | $42,629* | $40,220 | $16,027* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $37,000* | — | $19,354* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, approximately 74% 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 11 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.