Analysis
A specialized religious college may seem like an unconventional path to an accounting career, but the estimated numbers here tell a surprisingly practical story. Based on comparable associate-level accounting programs in Florida, graduates likely earn around $39,000 in their first year—squarely in line with the state median and slightly above the national benchmark. The estimated debt of $26,000 pushes the burden higher than typical for Florida accounting programs (where $24,000 is more common), but the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 remains manageable by standard financial guidelines.
What matters most is recognizing these figures reflect peer institutions, not Hobe Sound's specific outcomes. The school's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education suppresses actual data. While larger Florida schools like Keiser University report stronger earnings around $48,000, community colleges like Valencia and Broward—perhaps closer comparisons to a small religious college—see first-year earnings in the mid-to-high $30,000s. The question becomes whether Hobe Sound's faith-based environment and presumably smaller class sizes justify paying slightly more than you might at a nearby public college.
For parents seeking certainty about return on investment, this program offers educated guesses rather than proven outcomes. If the religious mission aligns with your family's values and your child plans to stay in Florida's reasonably strong accounting job market, the estimated debt load appears serviceable. Without that mission fit, public alternatives offer clearer track records at similar or lower cost.
Where Hobe Sound Bible College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (40 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,068 | $39,114* | — | $26,291* | — | |
| $24,136 | $48,117* | $43,871 | $29,000* | 0.60 | |
| $15,117 | $43,765* | $44,358 | $23,823* | 0.54 | |
| $16,088 | $41,019* | — | $24,811* | 0.60 | |
| $2,474 | $37,209* | $35,810 | $14,806* | 0.40 | |
| $2,830 | $36,970* | $36,384 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $37,000* | — | $19,354* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Hobe Sound Bible College, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 6 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.