Accounting at Community College of Baltimore County

With $15,000 in debt—matching Maryland's median for accounting associate's degrees and below the national figure of $19,354—this program positions graduates for manageable repayment. Similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, though the actual four-year earnings figure of $47,549 shows graduates do see meaningful income growth. The debt burden represents roughly 40% of that estimated starting salary, which means typical monthly loan payments should consume less than 5% of take-home pay.

The caveat here is that we're working with national estimates for that crucial first-year number since this specific program's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to publish. What we do know for certain is that graduates who stay in the field are earning nearly $48,000 four years out—a solid outcome for an associate's degree. For a student interested in accounting who wants to start working quickly without bachelor's-level debt, this represents a viable path, especially in a region where accounting jobs are plentiful.

The practical question is whether your child plans to eventually pursue a bachelor's degree or sit for the CPA exam, both of which typically require more education. If this is a stopping point, the numbers work. If it's a stepping stone, make sure the credits will transfer cleanly to a four-year program to avoid paying twice for the same coursework.