Accounting (Associate's Degree) at Southwestern Michigan College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,181

Est. from MI median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$13,248

Est. from MI median (4 programs)

Analysis

Similar accounting programs in Michigan suggest first-year earnings around $36,000 and typical debt near $13,000 for Southwestern Michigan's associate degree—numbers that create one of the more favorable debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find in community college accounting. That 0.37 ratio means graduates would owe roughly a third of their first year's salary, well below the concerning threshold where debt payments become burdensome.

The estimated earnings align closely with Michigan's median for associate-level accounting programs and nearly match the national benchmark of $37,000. This consistency across peer programs suggests the credential opens doors to similar entry-level positions statewide—likely bookkeeping or accounting clerk roles that provide stable employment. The relatively modest debt estimate, lower than both state and national medians for this field, reflects the community college advantage and would translate to manageable monthly payments even on a starting salary.

For families weighing this investment, the math works if your student plans to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. The program appears positioned to deliver what community college accounting degrees typically promise: quick entry into steady administrative work without crushing debt. Just remember these figures represent what similar programs produce, not guaranteed outcomes from Southwestern Michigan itself.

Where Southwestern Michigan College Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (35 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Southwestern Michigan CollegeDowagiac	$6,026	$36,181*	—	$13,248*	—
Oakland Community CollegeAuburn Hills	$3,020	$40,424*	$46,109	$21,496*	0.53
Baker CollegeOwosso	$12,810	$36,181*	$38,187	$26,067*	0.72
Grand Rapids Community CollegeGrand Rapids	$4,059	$35,538*	$42,721	$12,750*	0.36
National Median	—	$37,000*	—	$19,354*	0.52

* 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 Southwestern Michigan 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 MI. Actual outcomes may vary.