Est. Earnings (1yr)
$42,427
Est. from WI median (11 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,949
Est. from WI median (10 programs)

Analysis

Wisconsin's technical college system produces remarkably consistent accounting outcomes, and peer programs suggest Mid-State follows this pattern. Based on the state median from 11 similar associate programs, first-year earnings around $42,400 land right at Wisconsin's typical level—comparable to what graduates earn from Madison Area Technical College and Western Technical College. With estimated debt near $16,000, borrowers would face monthly payments under $200 on a standard 10-year plan while earning enough to manage those obligations comfortably.

The 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio from comparable Wisconsin programs indicates a manageable burden, particularly for an accounting credential that provides immediate employability. Other technical colleges in the state show graduates earning $43,000-$46,000 in their first year, suggesting the accounting job market in Wisconsin offers solid entry points for associate degree holders. The estimated debt also sits below the national median of $19,354 for this program type.

For parents evaluating Mid-State specifically, the key limitation is that these figures reflect what similar Wisconsin programs produce, not confirmed outcomes from this campus. The consistency across Wisconsin's technical colleges is reassuring, but you won't know this program's actual performance until it publishes its own data. If your student prefers Mid-State's location or culture, the state-level estimates suggest reasonable financial fundamentals, but connecting with recent graduates or the placement office would help confirm that local employers recognize this particular program.

Where Mid-State Technical College 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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Mid-State Technical CollegeWisconsin Rapids$4,886$42,427*$15,949*
Waukesha County Technical CollegePewaukee$4,720$45,634*$48,300$22,000*0.48
Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison$4,780$45,333*$20,252*0.45
Rasmussen University-WisconsinGreen Bay$11,982$43,765*$44,358$23,823*0.54
Western Technical CollegeLa Crosse$4,716$42,732*$43,719$16,796*0.39
Moraine Park Technical CollegeFond du Lac$4,713$42,629*$40,220$16,027*0.38
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 Mid-State Technical College, approximately 24% 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.