Accounting at Dakota County Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 2,083 students in Rosemount, MN.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $37,289/yr, roughly in line with the $35,807 national median for Accounting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 42.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Accounting programs nationally.
The 35% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 62% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Accounting graduates.
With first-year pay of $37,289 far exceeding the $16,325 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #73 of 176 Accounting programs, Dakota County Technical College scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $37,289 to $54,934 over five years — a 47% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Accounting offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Accounting Career Guide
Explore what Accounting graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 176 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Accounting Overview
Accounting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Dakota County Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.