Accounting at Western Dakota Technical College
Associate's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in South Dakota
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in South Dakota (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Dakota Technical College | — | $37,675 | — | — |
| Southeast Technical College | $44,850 | — | $23,746 | 0.53 |
| Mitchell Technical College | $40,475 | $34,967 | $12,000 | 0.30 |
| National American University-Rapid City | $32,546 | $41,500 | $28,757 | 0.88 |
| National Median | $37,000 | — | $19,354 | 0.52 |
Other Accounting Programs in South Dakota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across South Dakota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls | $7,650 | $44,850 | $23,746 |
| Mitchell Technical College Mitchell | $7,524 | $40,475 | $12,000 |
| National American University-Rapid City Rapid City | $16,065 | $32,546 | $28,757 |
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 Western Dakota Technical College, approximately 28% 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.