Analysis
Similar accounting programs across North Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $44,600—solidly above the national median for associate-level accounting graduates. The estimated $16,000 in debt is notably lower than typical borrowing for this credential, which hovers near $19,400 nationally and over $20,900 statewide. That 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable repayment, roughly equivalent to taking on less than five months of gross salary in student loans.
The challenge here is that these estimates draw from just three comparable NC programs, making it difficult to know whether Pitt Community College's actual outcomes match this picture or diverge significantly. Accounting programs can vary substantially based on local employer connections and curriculum strength. With 38% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on affordability—and while the estimated debt load seems reasonable, there's no way to verify whether Pitt's graduates actually secure those mid-$40,000 positions without reported data.
For parents considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest accounting remains a practical associate-degree path with clear job prospects. But reach out to Pitt's career services to ask about actual placement rates and starting salaries for recent graduates. Those concrete outcomes matter more than peer-program estimates when you're writing the tuition check.
Where Pitt Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (52 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,972 | $44,616* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| $2,792 | $45,092* | — | —* | — | |
| $2,336 | $44,616* | $43,263 | $20,953* | 0.47 | |
| $2,524 | $32,979* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Pitt Community College, approximately 38% 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 3 similar programs in NC. Actual outcomes may vary.