Accounting at College of Southern Nevada

College of Southern Nevada's accounting associate degree starts slower than most accounting programs nationally—graduates earn about $30,500 in their first year, landing in just the 19th percentile. But here's what matters for Nevada families: it's actually the median performer among the state's four accounting programs, and the debt load of $9,390 is half the national average. That trade-off—lower initial earnings but minimal debt—fundamentally changes the math.

The program shows strong momentum over time, with earnings jumping 30% to nearly $40,000 by year four. That growth trajectory, combined with the low debt burden, means graduates reach a positive financial position quickly. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 is manageable by any standard, particularly when you're not competing with $19,000+ in loans that many accounting graduates carry nationally.

For families weighing community college options in Nevada, this program delivers what it should: affordable access to accounting credentials without the debt trap. The starting salary won't impress anyone, but with 30% of students receiving Pell grants, this path serves students who need to minimize risk while building toward steady middle-class earnings. The modest initial investment and clear upward earning trend make this a defensible choice for cost-conscious Nevada residents, even if your child could potentially earn more at programs elsewhere.