Analysis
In North Carolina, accounting programs at community colleges have become a practical path to middle-income work, and estimates based on comparable programs suggest Wilson Community College's associate degree follows this pattern. First-year earnings around $44,600 place graduates near what peers at Central Piedmont and Wake Technical report, and significantly above the $37,000 national median for this credential. The estimated debt load of roughly $16,000 creates a manageable 0.36 ratio—meaning graduates would owe about a third of their first-year salary, well below the concerning 1.0 threshold where debt equals annual income.
The financial picture looks more favorable than many associate programs. While these figures come from similar North Carolina accounting programs rather than Wilson's specific graduates, the consistency across peer institutions—three of them clustered near $45,000—suggests this earning potential reflects genuine regional demand for entry-level accounting skills. The estimated debt is also lower than both the state median ($21,000) and national median ($19,400) for these programs.
For families in eastern North Carolina seeking affordable career training, this program's estimated metrics align with what has worked elsewhere in the state. The debt appears manageable against likely earnings, though parents should verify current job placement rates with the college directly since these estimates can't capture Wilson's specific employer relationships or student outcomes.
Where Wilson Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (52 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,572 | $44,616* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| $2,792 | $45,092* | — | —* | — | |
| $2,336 | $44,616* | $43,263 | $20,953* | 0.47 | |
| $2,524 | $32,979* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Wilson Community College, approximately 25% 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 NC. Actual outcomes may vary.