Accounting at Northeast Iowa Community College

Calmar, IA · Public · Certificate · Accounting and Related Services

with a smaller student body of 1,736 in Calmar, IA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,726 place Northeast Iowa Community College below the $35,807 national median for Accounting — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 53.2x 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 33% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $18,335 against $24,726/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #117 ranking among 176 Accounting programs places Northeast Iowa Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $24,726 to $35,575 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.

59 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
50
Low End
59
Score
63
High End
Earnings $24,726/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (38% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (451,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$385K
9.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
58.4x
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)
$6,600
Out-of-state: $7,470
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,335
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,575
44% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Accounting careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering business & office.

Read the full Accounting career guide →

Compare & Explore

Accounting Overview

Accounting at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northeast Iowa Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Accounting at Northeast Iowa Community College?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Accounting is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
How vulnerable is Accounting to AI automation?
AI won't eliminate Accounting careers, but it may reshape them. At Northeast Iowa Community College, a score of 59/100 already accounts for the 62% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why are Accounting earnings lower at Northeast Iowa Community College?
Lower starting pay at Northeast Iowa Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Accounting?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Accounting. For students weighing Northeast Iowa Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Accounting graduates from Northeast Iowa Community College find jobs?
At 451,900 annual openings, Accounting has a very large employment base. Northeast Iowa Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →