Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,703
43rd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$18,516
4% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.52
Manageable
Sample Size
22
Limited data

Analysis

Cincinnati State's accounting associate program shows promising earnings growth but comes with a significant caveat: these numbers reflect fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than data from larger programs. That said, the trajectory is encouraging—graduates see their earnings jump 40% from $35,703 to nearly $50,000 by year four, which is solid progression for an associate degree. The program performs better than 60% of Ohio accounting programs despite charging less debt than the state median ($18,516 versus $24,750).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 means graduates owe about six months' salary, which is manageable territory. However, first-year earnings trail programs like Cuyahoga Community College by $9,000, suggesting geographic or employer network differences within Ohio matter. The 30% Pell Grant rate indicates this program serves a mix of students, and the relatively modest debt load makes it accessible even for families without much financial cushion.

If your child attends Cincinnati State for accounting, they'll likely start below where some other Ohio programs place graduates, but the strong earnings growth suggests the credential gains value over time. Just remember: with such a small sample, an incoming class could see quite different outcomes. For families prioritizing low debt and steady career progression over maximizing starting salary, this represents a reasonable path—just keep expectations realistic about that first-year paycheck.

Where Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally

Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeOther accounting programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Cincinnati State Technical and Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 43th percentile of all accounting associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College$35,703$49,894$18,5160.52
Cuyahoga Community College District$44,532$46,606$15,9310.36
Stark State College$38,671$35,917$19,4550.50
Bryant & Stratton College-Parma$36,958$38,715$26,2910.71
Ohio Business College-Sheffield$34,785$36,239$32,3610.93
Ohio Business College-Sandusky$34,785$36,239$32,3610.93
National Median$37,000—$19,3540.52

Other Accounting Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Cuyahoga Community College District
Cleveland
$3,736$44,532$15,931
Stark State College
North Canton
$4,670$38,671$19,455
Bryant & Stratton College-Parma
Parma
$19,542$36,958$26,291
Ohio Business College-Sheffield
Sheffield Village
$9,385$34,785$32,361
Ohio Business College-Sandusky
Sandusky
$9,385$34,785$32,361

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 22 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.