Analysis
In Florida, accounting associate programs typically produce first-year earnings around $39,000—a figure that puts graduates just above the national median for this credential. For Eastern Florida State College, where earnings data are estimated from comparable programs statewide, this benchmark suggests graduates should be competitive with peers from larger institutions like Valencia and Broward College, though likely trailing the premium that some private schools command.
The estimated debt load of roughly $16,000 compares favorably to both the state median ($23,800) and national median ($19,400). Combined with earnings near $39,000, this translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41—meaning graduates would owe about five months of gross income. That's a manageable burden for an entry-level accounting position, particularly in Florida's growing business services sector where associate-prepared bookkeepers and accounting clerks remain in demand.
The uncertainty here matters: without school-specific data, you're betting that Eastern Florida State's outcomes track with the state average rather than clustering at the lower end. Given the school's community college mission and 28% Pell population, the financial risk appears contained even if outcomes land slightly below the estimate. For students aiming to enter accounting quickly without bachelor's-level debt, this path makes practical sense—just recognize you're working from peer program projections rather than this college's proven track record.
Where Eastern Florida State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (40 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,496 | $39,114* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| $24,136 | $48,117* | $43,871 | $29,000* | 0.60 | |
| $15,117 | $43,765* | $44,358 | $23,823* | 0.54 | |
| $16,088 | $41,019* | — | $24,811* | 0.60 | |
| $2,474 | $37,209* | $35,810 | $14,806* | 0.40 | |
| $2,830 | $36,970* | $36,384 | —* | — | |
| 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 Eastern Florida State College, approximately 28% 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 median of 6 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.