Accounting at Foothill College

An estimated debt load of $16,000 against first-year earnings around $37,000 creates a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio—below the concerning 1.0 threshold that signals repayment struggles. For accounting associate's programs nationally, this represents a slightly lower debt burden than the typical $19,354, though the earnings estimate aligns closely with what peer programs produce. In California specifically, comparable accounting programs show a median of about $38,000 in earnings, suggesting Foothill's graduates likely enter a competitive local market where two-year accounting credentials carry reasonably consistent value.

The low Pell grant rate (just 8%) indicates Foothill primarily serves students from higher-income families, which may mean less reliance on loans than these estimates suggest—many students here might graduate with minimal or no debt. California's robust accounting job market generally supports associate-degree holders, particularly in the Bay Area where bookkeeping and accounting clerk positions remain in demand. Similar programs at nearby Mt. San Antonio College report actual earnings around $34,600, providing a useful reality check on these national-based estimates.

For parents evaluating this investment: the projected debt-to-earnings balance looks reasonable, but recognize these figures come from national peer programs rather than Foothill's specific outcomes. If your student can minimize borrowing through family support or community college affordability, a two-year accounting credential offers solid entry into a stable field without the commitment of a bachelor's degree.