Accountingat National American University-Rapid City
Graduates earn $35,820/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Accounting average. Base-case 10-year earnings $578K; scenarios range from $527K to $593K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at National American University-Rapid City
The financial outcomes you're seeing for this program reflect a unique combination of factors. As a private for-profit institution, its curriculum and career services may be tailored to the specific demands of the local Rapid City labor market. This often means preparing students for roles within regional accounting firms, small businesses, or local government entities like Ellsworth Air Force Base, rather than national corporate pipelines.
The local economy in Rapid City, while stable, typically offers a different salary scale and fewer opportunities in high-finance or large corporate auditing compared to major metropolitan areas. Considering the very high AI risk in accounting, many traditional entry-level tasks are being automated. To thrive, you'll need to develop strong advisory skills, specialized software proficiency, or pursue certifications beyond the degree itself. Focus on networking deeply within the local business community to uncover opportunities requiring human judgment and client interaction.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to National American University-Rapid City's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Accounting
How National American University-Rapid City stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at National American University-Rapid City
Other highest-scoring programs offered at National American University-Rapid City, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Accounting offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Accounting trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Accounting at National American University-Rapid City
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Accounting at National American University-Rapid City?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Accounting. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Accounting careers?
With 62% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $526,686 in decade earnings vs $592,736 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Accounting from National American University-Rapid City?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.