Accounting at Williston State College

Comparable accounting associate programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, but North Dakota's market tells a different story—the state median sits at $43,765. That $6,700 gap matters considerably for a two-year credential, and with only five programs in the state, Williston's actual outcomes could land anywhere in that range. The estimated debt of roughly $16,000 would be manageable against either figure, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that works in students' favor.

What makes this calculation particularly uncertain is Williston's location in North Dakota's energy corridor, where local labor markets can swing dramatically with oil prices. The accounting field itself remains stable—businesses need bookkeepers whether times are good or bad—but your child's actual starting salary will depend heavily on whether they stay in Williston's boom-bust economy or move to more stable markets like Fargo or Bismarck.

The fundamentals look reasonable: estimated debt below $20,000 for skills that translate directly to employment. But the wide gap between national and state figures means you're essentially betting on which benchmark proves more accurate. If Williston's graduates perform closer to other North Dakota programs, this represents solid value. If they track closer to the national average, it's still workable but less compelling than the state data suggests.