Analysis
Based on comparable programs in Ohio, this associate's degree in accounting appears positioned right at the state median, with estimated first-year earnings around $36,000 against roughly $18,500 in debt. That 0.52 debt-to-earnings ratio falls comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold, suggesting graduates from similar programs can typically manage their debt load. However, it's worth noting that other Ohio community colleges with reported dataβlike Cuyahoga Community College at $44,500 or Stark State at nearly $39,000βshow their accounting graduates earning notably more, though we can't be certain Kent State Ashtabula's outcomes differ significantly without actual data from this campus.
The estimated debt figure here is actually lower than Ohio's typical $24,750 for accounting associate's programs, which helps offset the middle-of-the-road earnings projection. For a program serving a student body where 34% receive Pell grants, keeping debt manageable matters considerably. The challenge is that accounting jobs exist across a wide salary spectrum, and placement success can vary dramatically between schools based on employer relationships and internship pipelines that we simply can't assess from these peer-derived estimates.
Without actual outcomes data from Kent State Ashtabula, you're essentially betting that this campus performs similarly to the Ohio average rather than matching the stronger results from other community colleges in the state. If choosing this program primarily for location or cost reasons, verify their accounting job placement rates and compare tuition against nearby alternatives with documented track records.
Where Kent State University at Ashtabula Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,272 | $35,703* | β | $18,516* | β | |
| $3,736 | $44,532* | $46,606 | $15,931* | 0.36 | |
| $4,670 | $38,671* | $35,917 | $19,455* | 0.50 | |
| $19,542 | $36,958* | $38,715 | $26,291* | 0.71 | |
| $5,400 | $35,703* | $49,894 | $18,516* | 0.52 | |
| $9,385 | $34,785* | $36,239 | $32,361* | 0.93 | |
| National Median | β | $37,000* | β | $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 Kent State University at Ashtabula, approximately 34% 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 7 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.