Analysis
A 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests a manageable borrowing burden for Snow College's accounting associate program, with estimated debt of $16,000 against first-year earnings around $37,000. Based on comparable two-year accounting programs nationwide, graduates typically earn enough to handle their loan payments without excessive strain—though the lack of specific data from Snow College or other Utah schools means there's more uncertainty than usual about this particular program's outcomes.
The estimated figures align with national norms for associate-level accounting programs, which hover around $37,000 in first-year earnings. What matters more is whether this credential serves as a stepping stone to bachelor's completion or direct entry into bookkeeping and accounting clerk roles in Utah's job market. Associate degrees in accounting often function best as either affordable preparation for transfer to a four-year program or as quick entry points to administrative positions that value the credential but don't require it.
For families looking at Snow College specifically, the relatively low Pell grant percentage (21%) suggests this school may serve a different demographic than typical community colleges, which could signal either stronger student support systems or simply a more affluent student body. The real question is whether your student plans to stop at the associate level or continue their education—accounting career advancement typically rewards bachelor's degrees far more generously, making this program's value heavily dependent on what comes next.
Where Snow College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Accounting associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,564 | $37,001* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| $2,550 | $58,469* | $44,916 | $22,215* | 0.38 | |
| $8,216 | $52,576* | $50,545 | $24,956* | 0.47 | |
| $31,168 | $52,576* | $50,545 | $24,956* | 0.47 | |
| $5,050 | $49,685* | $48,712 | —* | — | |
| $6,270 | $48,832* | — | $19,254* | 0.39 | |
| 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 Snow College, approximately 21% 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.