Accounting at Grays Harbor College

With first-year earnings around $37,000 and estimated debt near $16,000, this accounting program appears positioned to deliver a manageable financial outcome. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests graduates could reasonably handle their loan payments—conventional wisdom says anything below 1.0 is workable, and this comes in well under that threshold.

What's interesting here is how peer programs across Washington show considerable variation in outcomes. Similar accounting programs in the state produce median earnings of $31,190, which puts Grays Harbor's estimated figure roughly $6,000 higher. The debt load estimate also runs lower than Washington's typical $21,207. These comparisons suggest favorable positioning, though remember these are derived from similar programs rather than tracked outcomes from Grays Harbor specifically.

The practical reality: an accounting associate's degree is designed to launch careers quickly, and these numbers reflect that intent. At $37,000 annually, a graduate could expect monthly loan payments around $180 on a standard repayment plan—roughly 6% of gross income. That leaves breathing room for other financial priorities while building accounting credentials and experience that typically lead to salary growth. The program's value ultimately depends on whether it connects students to actual accounting positions in the Aberdeen area or requires relocation to find work in the field.