Accounting at Lewis and Clark Community College

Lewis and Clark Community College's accounting certificate produces earnings that outpace 85% of similar programs nationally, yet falls slightly below the Illinois median of $45,004. At $42,502 in first-year earnings, graduates earn significantly more than the national benchmark of $31,684, but in a state known for strong accounting outcomes, this program lands in the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile. Top Illinois programs like College of DuPage push past $52,000, suggesting location and network effects matter substantially within the state.

The financial picture is straightforward: $9,500 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans within a few months of full-time work. This is considerably lower than both the national median debt of $13,047 and Illinois's $11,274, making it one of the more affordable pathways into accounting work.

The major caveat here is the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the data—which makes these numbers less reliable than programs with larger cohorts. Still, for families seeking an affordable entry point into accounting, particularly for students who plan to work locally in the Godfrey area, the combination of manageable debt and solid (if not spectacular) earnings makes this a sensible option. Just recognize that staying in Illinois might mean accepting earnings somewhat below what bigger programs deliver.