Analysis
Based on comparable programs nationally, this Associate's in Accounting would saddle graduates with roughly $24,000 in debt—noticeably higher than the typical $19,000 for similar programs. That matters because the estimated first-year earnings of $37,000 lag considerably behind what other Illinois accounting programs deliver. Top community colleges in the state like College of DuPage report graduate earnings exceeding $47,000, creating a roughly $10,000 annual gap.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 isn't catastrophic by itself, but the broader picture is less encouraging. Four years out, earnings climb only modestly to $37,430, suggesting limited wage growth in those crucial early career years. Meanwhile, Northwestern College serves predominantly lower-income students (75% receive Pell grants), making that higher debt burden more consequential for families with fewer financial cushions.
If your child is set on accounting in the Chicago area, push for concrete job placement data and compare Northwestern's outcomes directly against nearby community colleges with stronger reported earnings. The $10,000 difference between this program's estimated trajectory and what peer Illinois programs deliver could mean years of faster debt payoff or thousands more in savings—real money that matters when you're starting out.
Where Northwestern College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern College | — | $37,430 | — |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $37,986 | $53,096 | +40% |
| Connecticut State Community College | $42,591 | $52,194 | +23% |
| Nassau Community College | $35,513 | $51,744 | +46% |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $43,765 | $44,358 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (44 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Northwestern CollegeOak Lawn | $18,475 | $37,001* | $37,430 | $23,823* | — |
 College of DuPageGlen Ellyn | $4,320 | $47,775* | — | $17,284* | 0.36 |
 Rasmussen University-IllinoisRockford | $13,546 | $43,765* | $44,358 | $23,823* | 0.54 |
| 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 Northwestern College, approximately 75% 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.