Accounting at Cuyahoga Community College District

Cuyahoga Community College's accounting associate program punches above its weight nationally, landing in the 92nd percentile for earnings among similar programs—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. Still, the underlying value proposition looks sound: graduates earn $44,532 in their first year while carrying just $15,931 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36. That first-year salary beats the national median by $7,500 and outpaces Ohio's state median by nearly $9,000.

Within Ohio, this program ranks solidly at the 60th percentile—respectable given it's outperforming the state median and competing programs like Cincinnati State and Ohio Business College. The debt load, while higher than Ohio's median for accounting programs, remains reasonable considering the earnings premium. Graduates see modest earnings growth to $46,606 by year four, suggesting stable career progression rather than dramatic upside.

For parents worried about community college ROI, this program demonstrates that affordable education doesn't mean compromising earnings potential. The combination of below-average debt and above-average starting salary gives graduates financial breathing room early in their careers. Just remember the small sample caveat—these strong numbers are based on a limited cohort, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual.