Analysis
Sampson Community College's accounting program appears positioned in the competitive middle of North Carolina's community college landscape. Based on comparable accounting programs in the state, graduates typically earn around $44,600 in their first year—meaningfully above the $37,000 national median for associate-level accounting programs. That earning power, combined with an estimated debt load of about $16,000, creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, well within the range most financial aid experts consider sustainable.
What makes this estimate more reliable is its basis in North Carolina data specifically, where the accounting job market tends to reward associate degree holders better than the national average. Programs at similar community colleges across the state cluster tightly around this $44,000-$45,000 range, suggesting regional consistency in outcomes. For a school serving a heavily Pell-eligible population (50% of students), keeping estimated debt nearly $5,000 below the state median while maintaining competitive earning potential matters practically.
The absence of published data for this specific program means you're betting on Sampson mirroring its peer institutions rather than having a proven track record to reference. Given the state's strong track record with accounting programs and the program's estimated financial profile, that's a reasonable bet—but prospective families should connect with recent graduates directly to verify the employment picture before committing.
Where Sampson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,830 | $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 Sampson Community College, approximately 50% 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.