Accounting at National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Accounting and Related Services

a smaller institution with 832 students in Rapid City, SD.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,546/yr, roughly in line with the $35,807 national median for Accounting. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Accounting carry above-average AI exposure (62% of tasks). The 34% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $17,010 against $32,546/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #148 ranking among 176 Accounting programs places National American University-Rapid City in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $32,546 to $47,531 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
55
Score
58
High End
Earnings $32,546/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (38% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$517K
9.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple
16.1x
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
$32,130
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,010
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,531
46% growth from Year 1

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

See the full career breakdown for Accounting — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from National American University-Rapid City and 175 other schools.

Read the full Accounting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Accounting Overview

Accounting at Other Schools

Other Majors at National American University-Rapid City

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 55/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Accounting at National American University-Rapid City?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but National American University-Rapid City trails the majority of Accounting programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Accounting to AI automation?
AI exposure of 62% is a real factor. For National American University-Rapid City specifically, the gap between optimistic ($516,983) and pessimistic ($340,502) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Accounting graduates?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Accounting. For students weighing National American University-Rapid City's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Accounting workers?
With approximately 451,900 annual openings across mapped careers, Accounting offers a very large employment pool. National American University-Rapid City graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →