Accounting
62 Credit Associate DegreeProgram Description
The Accounting Associate Degree program prepares learners to maintain accounting systems, analyze business records and prepare financial reports such as Income Statements, Balance Sheets and Cash Flow Statements. The program covers general accounting, individual tax, cost accounting, accounting information systems and other specialized areas. Prepares learners to earn the Bookkeeper Certification prior to graduation.
Found in These Career Fields:
Approximate Program Cost
$11,023
Tuition & Fees:
$10,497
Books & Supplies: $526
Books & Supplies: $526
Starting Salary
$21,216–$51,428
Average,
based on the NTC Graduate Outcomes Report
Financial Aid
Available
Total financial aid offered may not exceed the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA).
Available
100% Online
Program Overview Video
A Closer Look
Detailed Program Information
Take a deeper dive into the details of this program. This section offers information to help you evaluate whether the program fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Use it as a tool to guide your decision-making process.
Availability
Courses for this program may be available at a variety of campus locations through multiple modes of delivery if you meet the admission requirements and prerequisites.
* Campus and online availability of courses and programs may be subject to change.
Outcomes
Graduates will be able to…
Careers
Some of the potential careers graduates can pursue are:
Courses
The Accounting Associate Degree is a 62 Credit program. The following is a typical semester breakdown of the courses within the program.
Credit for Prior Learning Available
* College 101 (10-890-165) is not part of the program credit requirements but is a College Requirement for graduation that must be passed with a “C” or better.
View All Detailed Course Information
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This program integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ways that strengthen student learning, reflect industry practices and prepare graduates for immediate success in the workforce. Aligned with NTC’s mission to deliver high-quality, career-focused education, AI is used as both a learning partner and an industry-inspired tool that enhances analysis, problem-solving and professional communication.
Active learning drives AI integration throughout the program. Students engage with AI during hands-on projects, case studies and real-world accounting scenarios that mirror workplace expectations. These experiences require students to analyze financial information, conduct targeted research, and communicate findings clearly and professionally. AI supports deeper inquiry and efficiency while reinforcing the importance of sound accounting principles and informed decision-making. Through thoughtful AI integration, this program supports student readiness for work and long-term career adaptability, helping learners reach their goals in a changing business landscape.
Learn more about Our Commitment to AI Integration
Pathways
Pathways at NTC are designed to help you progress toward your career and education goals, one step at a time. Many programs are structured to build upon each other, allowing you to earn valuable credentials along the way.
If you begin with one of the following programs, you will earn credit towards this Accounting Associate Degree:
The Accounting Assistant Technical Diploma will provide you with 52% (32 of 62 credits) of the total credits in this Accounting Associate Degree
The QuickBooks Specialist Technical Diploma will provide you with 11% (7 of 62 credits) of the total credits in this Accounting Associate Degree
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), 11520 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213.
Please see program outcomes data below. Full student learning outcomes, graduation, retention, and course completion rates are available upon request.
Number of Graduates
| Academic Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020–2021 | 31 |
| 2021–2022 | 27 |
| 2022–2023 | 13 |
| 2023–2024 | 18 |
| 2024–2025 | 22 |
Retention Rate (% Retained Next Academic Year)
| Cohort | Retention Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 Cohort | 50.00% |
| 2020 Cohort | 50.98% |
| 2021 Cohort | 61.54% |
| 2022 Cohort | 59.72% |
| 2023 Cohort | 56.00% |
Three-Year Graduate Rate (% Graduated Within Three Academic Years)
| Cohort | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 Cohort | 31.25% |
| 2020 Cohort | 19.61% |
| 2021 Cohort | 29.23% |
| 2022 Cohort | N/A |
| 2023 Cohort | N/A |
Transfer Information
You can continue your education to earn a four-year degree in a variety of ways.
Program Transfer
The following transfer guides, executed in partnership with post-secondary institutions, are based on agreements that allow you to continue your program at another college.
Bellevue University Online
Franklin University
Lakeland University
Marian University
Ottawa University
Purdue Global
Rasmussen College
Siena Heights University
Upper Iowa University
UW–Superior
Viterbo University
Western Governors University
General Transfer
All associate degrees transfer to a variety of programs at other partner colleges to give you the opportunity to continue your education in other areas of study.
View all transfer guides
Cost of Attendance
2026–2027 Estimated Academic Year Budgeted Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is a budget that includes categories of expenses that a student may incur while attending NTC. The COA does not reflect actual charges. It is an average based on the estimated living costs typical of our region. In determining the cost of attendance, Northcentral Technical College takes into consideration the budget established by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Financial Aid Budget Work Group. This budget is used to determine financial need for all students who apply for financial aid. A student’s cost of attendance is composed of all educational expenses that can be included for financial aid purposes that a student may accrue while pursuing their education for the year (or semester, if enrolled less than a year). A student’s financial aid cannot exceed their cost of attendance. Schools are required to provide a fuller picture of what it may cost students to pursue their degree, not just what they will owe in tuition/fees and books/supplies. The costs displayed below are estimates based on a 16-week semester or term enrollment. Expenses such as food and housing, personal or transportation may be less based on the weeks you are enrolled.
- Full Time: 12 or more credits
- 3/4 Time: 9 to 11 credits
- 1/2 Time: 6 to 8 credits
- Less Than 1/2 Time: 1 to 5 credits
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $5,455 | $5,455 | $5,455 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Professional Licensure / Certification† | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $12,442 | $11,604 | $10,766 | $2,888 |
| Expense Category | Full Time | 3/4 Time | 1/2 Time | Less Than 1/2 Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees* | $2,620 | $1,965 | $1,310 | $655 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $732 | $549 | $366 | $183 |
| Living Expenses (Housing & Food) | $1,612 | $1,612 | $1,612 | $0 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $1,542 | $1,542 | $1,542 | $0 |
| Transportation | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 | $1,950 |
| Federal Loan Fees | $43 | $43 | $43 | Not applicable |
| Professional Licensure / Certification† | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | $8,599 | $7,761 | $6,923 | $2,888 |
* Tuition listed is based on approved rates for the 2026–2027 academic year. Rates are approved each March by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Your tuition cost is based on your enrollment level. These will appear on your bill and account.
† National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) Bookkeeping Certification Exam: $100 (incurred during the last semester of program as part of the Accounting Capstone — the exam fee is not part of the cost of the class).
For more information regarding billed tuition and fees, visit our Tuition & Fees page.
Students awarded Federal Direct Loan(s) also have an average of the mandatory loan fees automatically added to their COA.
Students with disability-related expenses may contact the Financial Aid Office to have their additional expenses considered. Disability-related expenses include but are not limited to: personal assistance, equipment, and supplies. The Financial Aid Office may potentially include disability expenses in the COA that are not provided by other assisting agencies.
NTC also offers a Net Price Calculator to help estimate costs.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about how the financial aid process works. Please feel free to reach out for more information.
-
NTC Financial Aid Office
- 715.803.1647
- financialaid@ntc.edu
Admissions Process
Our application process takes just a few minutes to complete, but we want to make sure you have the things you’ll need on hand to complete the application. We’re here to help if you have any questions while submitting your application.
Fill out our application
The application can be submitted online and takes just a few minutes to complete. There is no fee to apply.
Apply NowWhat’s Next?
We’ll review your application and let you know if we need anything else. If you’re all set, your acceptance letter will be emailed to you.