Accounting at St. Augustine College

Similar associate's programs in accounting nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, but something troubling emerges in year four: this program's graduates see earnings drop to $25,336. That's a 32% decline when most careers are gaining momentum, and it's substantially below the $45,770 median for Illinois accounting programs. Whether this reflects graduates leaving accounting entirely, working reduced hours, or facing employment instability, it's a red flag that can't be ignored.

The estimated debt load of $26,291 compounds the concern. That's higher than both the national and Illinois medians for associate's programs in accounting, and when paired with that declining earnings trajectory, it creates genuine financial pressure. Community colleges like College of DuPage are producing graduates who earn nearly double in year four while carrying less debt—a stark contrast that suggests location alone isn't the differentiating factor.

For a predominantly Pell-eligible student body, these numbers matter enormously. The initial debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable at 0.71, but that four-year drop raises serious questions about whether this program reliably launches accounting careers. Before committing, your family needs to understand why earnings decline so sharply and whether graduates are actually working in accounting roles long-term.