Accounting at Edison State Community College

At $18,516 in estimated debt, this program sits notably below what peer accounting programs in Ohio typically produce—comparable schools in the state show a median debt load of $24,750. That difference of more than $6,000 matters when you're entering a field where first-year earnings hover around $35,700 based on similar programs statewide. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests manageable repayment: roughly half a year's salary in debt for a credential that should provide steady entry-level access to accounting roles.

The reality check here is that other Ohio community colleges with reported data show a range of outcomes. Programs at Cuyahoga and Stark State produce graduates earning $8,000-9,000 more in their first year, while Edison State's estimated earnings align more closely with Cincinnati State's outcomes. Whether that difference reflects program quality, employer networks, or regional job markets is impossible to know from these figures alone, but it's a reminder that not all associate's degrees in accounting deliver identical returns even within the same state.

For a relatively affordable technical credential, the estimated numbers point to a workable investment—especially if your child plans to stay in the Piqua area where living costs may stretch that $35,700 further than in Columbus or Cleveland. Just understand you're making this decision based on what comparable programs produce, not Edison State's specific track record.