Accounting at Herzing University-Akron

At an estimated $26,291 in debt, this program sits above both the state median ($24,750) and significantly above the national median ($19,354) for associate's in accounting. The estimated first-year earnings of $35,703—based on comparable Ohio programs—suggests graduates would face debt roughly three-quarters of their annual salary. That's manageable on paper, but with 78% of students receiving Pell grants, this debt load hits families who can least afford setbacks.

What complicates this picture is that other Ohio community colleges produce notably stronger outcomes. Cuyahoga Community College accounting graduates earn $44,532 in their first year, while Stark State shows $38,671. Even Cincinnati State matches the estimated figure here at $35,703, suggesting these earnings are achievable—but possibly not at Herzing's price point. The debt disadvantage of $1,500-$7,000 compared to these alternatives matters when you're starting at $35,000 annually.

For families banking on accounting as a reliable career path, cheaper alternatives exist throughout Ohio that appear to deliver equal or better outcomes. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio here isn't catastrophic, but neither is it compelling when state schools may offer the same credential with less financial risk. Before committing, compare the total cost against nearby community colleges with track records you can verify.