Accounting at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

An associate's degree in accounting should provide marketable skills quickly, but Saint Mary-of-the-Woods' estimated outcomes warrant careful consideration. Based on comparable programs across Indiana, graduates might expect first-year earnings around $38,751—roughly on par with the state median but paired with an estimated $26,291 in debt. That debt level exceeds both the national median ($19,354) and Indiana's typical figure ($24,956) for similar programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 that's higher than ideal for a two-year credential.

The earnings estimate sits in the middle of Indiana's range, but debt appears elevated for what this degree typically costs elsewhere. At schools with reported data like Ivy Tech Community College, students generally face lower debt burdens while achieving comparable entry-level outcomes. Indiana Wesleyan's branches show considerably stronger earnings potential ($52,576), though possibly at higher cost or with different program structures. With 51% of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods students receiving Pell grants, debt affordability becomes especially critical.

Before committing, determine actual program costs and available financial aid specific to your situation—these estimates reflect peer programs but may not match this school's reality. If the estimated debt figure proves accurate, your child would be taking on more financial risk than typical accounting associate's degree students for middle-of-the-pack career entry. Consider whether nearby alternatives might deliver similar credentials with less borrowing.