Accounting at Clackamas Community College

At an estimated $16,000 in debt, this associate's degree appears more manageable than many accounting programs, though the earnings picture warrants careful consideration. The estimated first-year salary of $37,000—derived from national medians since Clackamas doesn't have reportable data—runs about $5,000 below what comparable Oregon programs typically produce. Two nearby community colleges with actual reported outcomes show their accounting graduates earning in the low $40,000s, suggesting the Oregon market may offer better initial prospects than the national baseline implies.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 looks reasonable on paper, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in less than six months of gross earnings. However, that calculation assumes the national estimate holds true here. If Clackamas graduates actually match the stronger Oregon median of $41,800, the investment strengthens considerably. If they track closer to the national figure, you're looking at a tighter financial margin in those critical first years when loan payments begin.

The question becomes whether Clackamas can compete with Portland Community College and Chemeketa, both of which demonstrate solid placement in Oregon's accounting job market. Without program-specific data, there's no way to know if this school's curriculum, employer connections, or student support matches those peers. Given the modest debt load, the downside risk is limited—but confirm what local employers think of Clackamas accounting grads before committing.