Analysis
Four years out, graduates of this program earn $41,277—that's solid for an associate's in accounting and beats the California median of $37,978. The estimated first-year debt of $23,823, based on similar DeVry programs nationally, runs about $6,500 higher than what typical California accounting students carry. That's the trade-off parents need to weigh: you're paying a premium over community colleges like Mt. San Antonio, where debt averages considerably less, for earnings that end up in the same ballpark.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 suggests manageable repayment if your child secures work quickly in the field. With 54% of students receiving Pell grants, DeVry clearly serves families who need financing options, but that also means most students are borrowing to get through. The key question is whether the four-year earning trajectory justifies the higher upfront cost when California has 110 accounting programs to choose from, many at community colleges with lower debt loads and comparable outcomes.
If your child values flexible scheduling or needs the structure of a for-profit institution, these numbers aren't alarming—but they're not exceptional either. Compare total program costs directly with local community colleges that publish actual graduate outcomes, not estimates, before committing.
Where DeVry University-California Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVry University-California | — | $41,277 | — |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $37,986 | $53,096 | +40% |
| Connecticut State Community College | $42,591 | $52,194 | +23% |
| Nassau Community College | $35,513 | $51,744 | +46% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion | $52,576 | $50,545 | -4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in California (110 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 DeVry University-CaliforniaOntario | $17,488 | $37,001* | $41,277 | $23,823* | — |
 Asher CollegeSacramento | — | $41,351* | — | $17,375* | 0.42 |
 Mt San Antonio CollegeWalnut | $1,364 | $34,604* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $37,000* | — | $19,354* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 DeVry University-California, approximately 54% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.