Accounting at Highline College

An estimated debt load of $16,000 puts this program well below both the national median ($19,354) and the state average ($21,207) for associate degrees in accounting—a meaningful advantage when many Washington programs carry significantly higher borrowing costs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, students could theoretically pay off their loans in less than six months of gross earnings, assuming the estimated $37,000 first-year figure holds true for Highline graduates.

The earnings estimate comes from national data since this specific program's outcomes aren't publicly reported. That $37,000 baseline actually exceeds the typical Washington accounting associate graduate, who earns around $31,000. If Highline's outcomes track closer to state norms rather than national ones, the value proposition shifts somewhat—though the lower debt still provides cushion. Nearby programs with reported data show Spokane Community College graduates earning $33,000 and Tacoma graduates at $29,000, suggesting regional variation matters considerably in Washington's accounting market.

The combination of below-average estimated debt and potentially above-state-average earnings makes this program worth serious consideration, but the lack of program-specific data means you're investing based on what comparable programs typically deliver rather than Highline's proven track record. If your child plans to stay in Washington, connect with the college's career services to understand local employer relationships and job placement patterns specific to their graduates.