Est. Earnings (1yr)
$43,520
Est. from MN median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,469
Est. from MN median (5 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable Associate's accounting programs across Minnesota, this path suggests starting earnings around $43,520 with median debt near $21,469β€”a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio that puts students in position to pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe. That earnings figure sits right at the state median and above the $37,000 national benchmark for two-year accounting programs, suggesting Minnesota's accounting job market rewards associate degree holders well.

The estimated debt load is slightly lower than the state median of $21,776, which matters when 30% of students here receive Pell grants. Similar Minnesota programs show a range from under $40,000 to nearly $50,000 in first-year earnings, with urban-area schools like North Hennepin and Century College at the higher end. Geography plays a real role in accounting salaries, and Hibbing's remote Iron Range location may affect both internship access and starting pay compared to Twin Cities programs.

For families weighing this option, the fundamentals look solid if your student plans to work as a bookkeeper, accounts payable clerk, or similar role where an associate degree opens doors. The key uncertainty is whether outcomes at Minnesota North specifically track with these statewide estimatesβ€”small graduate cohorts mean we're working from peer program data rather than this school's actual results. If staying in northern Minnesota is the plan, verify local accounting job availability before committing.

Where Minnesota North College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (28 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Minnesota North CollegeHibbing$6,004$43,520*β€”$21,469*β€”
North Hennepin Community CollegeBrooklyn Park$5,050$49,685*$48,712β€”*β€”
Century CollegeWhite Bear Lake$6,182$46,996*$42,456β€”*β€”
Rasmussen University-MinnesotaSt. Cloud$10,899$43,765*$44,358$23,823*0.54
Anoka-Ramsey Community CollegeCoon Rapids$5,682$43,520*$50,060$22,083*0.51
Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls$5,900$39,742*$34,414$26,790*0.67
National Medianβ€”$37,000*β€”$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 Minnesota North College, approximately 30% 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 7 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.