Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,264
Est. from GA median (4 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$15,516
Est. from national median (26 programs)

Analysis

In Georgia, accounting certificate programs show estimated first-year earnings around $36,000, which puts graduates from similar programs near the national 75th percentile for this credential. That's encouraging context for a technical certificate, though it's worth noting these figures come from peer programs across the state rather than Savannah Tech's specific outcomes.

The estimated debt load of $15,500 creates a more manageable ratio at 0.43—meaning roughly five months of gross earnings to cover the full certificate cost. This compares favorably to Georgia's median debt of $24,000 for accounting certificates and sits slightly above the national median. For a program serving nearly half Pell-eligible students, keeping borrowing in this range matters. The credential is designed as a quick entry point into bookkeeping and accounting support roles, not four-year CPA track positions, so the debt-to-earnings balance fits the practical scope.

The real question is whether this certificate opens doors to stable employment in Savannah's market or serves as a stepping stone to further credentials. Similar programs suggest graduates find work as accounts payable clerks or bookkeeping assistants—roles that can provide steady income but limited upward mobility without additional education. If your child plans to stop at the certificate level, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value. If this is meant to be year one of a longer educational path, factor in the total eventual debt burden.

Where Savannah Technical College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Accounting certificate's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (30 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Savannah Technical CollegeSavannah$3,072$36,264*$15,516*
Interactive College of Technology-ChambleeChamblee$11,330$36,264*$17,679*
Interactive College of Technology-MorrowMorrow$11,210$36,264*$17,679*
Interactive College of Technology-GainesvilleGainesville$11,210$36,264*$17,679*
Herzing University-AtlantaAtlanta$13,420$31,620*$26,473$24,252*0.77
National Median$31,684*$13,047*0.41
* 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 Savannah Technical College, approximately 47% 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 4 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.