Accounting at College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL · Public · Associate Degree · Accounting and Related Services

enrolling 15,185 students in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Program Analysis

At $47,775 per year, Accounting graduates from College of DuPage significantly outpace the $35,807 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 57.9x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Accounting career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

College of DuPage ranks #20 among 176 Accounting programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Accounting reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

74 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
68
Low End
74
Score
76
High End
Earnings $47,775/yr (33% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (38% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$500K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
57.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
13 of 14
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,640
Out-of-state: $25,020

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Accounting graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Financial managers $161,700 +14.8% 50%
Financial risk specialists $106,000 +6.5% 47%
Financial and investment analysts $101,350 +5.7% 54%
Financial managers
$161,700
+14.8% growth 50% AI-proof
Financial risk specialists
$106,000
+6.5% growth 47% AI-proof
Financial and investment analysts
$101,350
+5.7% growth 54% AI-proof

View all 14 career paths with full salary data →

Accounting Career Guide

What can you do with a Accounting credential from College of DuPage? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Accounting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Accounting Overview

Accounting at Other Schools

Other Majors at College of DuPage

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does College of DuPage's Accounting program score?
At 74/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Accounting at College of DuPage?
The 62% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — College of DuPage graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is College of DuPage one of the best schools for Accounting?
The #20 ranking out of 176 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Accounting program at College of DuPage?
If College of DuPage's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Accounting. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
Is there demand for Accounting workers?
At 451,900 annual openings, Accounting has a very large employment base. College of DuPage graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →