Accounting at Hodges University

Similar programs in Florida typically produce first-year earnings around $39,000 for accounting associate degree holders—a figure that falls squarely in the middle of what's reported statewide. The challenge here is the estimated debt load of $26,291, which runs about $2,500 higher than the typical Florida accounting program and nearly $7,000 above the national median. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.67, meaning you'd be looking at borrowing roughly two-thirds of what comparable graduates earn in their first year.

The concern becomes clearer when you look at Florida schools with reported data. Nearby public options like Valencia College appear to deliver similar starting salaries with substantially less debt, while Keiser University graduates in Fort Lauderdale show first-year earnings nearly $9,000 higher. Even accounting for estimation uncertainty, the debt figure here suggests careful scrutiny of alternatives. A quarter of Hodges students receive Pell grants, indicating the school serves price-sensitive families who need every dollar of borrowing to count.

For an accounting associate degree, where earnings trajectories are relatively predictable and stable, the debt burden matters more than in higher-earning fields. Before committing, compare the actual cost at Hodges against Florida's public colleges offering the same credential—the gap in debt could represent thousands of dollars in interest over the repayment period with little difference in career outcomes.