Analysis
Community colleges often deliver strong ROI in accounting, and peer programs suggest Moorpark fits this pattern. With estimated first-year earnings around $37,000 and debt below $16,000, comparable programs in California typically produce a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5—a threshold that makes repayment manageable on an entry-level salary. While we can't verify Moorpark's specific outcomes due to small cohort sizes, these estimates align closely with California's median for associate accounting programs ($37,978) and track with what nearby Mt. San Antonio College actually reports for its graduates.
The limited data here actually tells a story: Moorpark likely graduates fewer accounting students than larger community colleges, which isn't necessarily negative. Smaller cohorts might mean more personalized attention, though it does make financial outcomes harder to track. What matters more is that accounting credentials from California community colleges generally lead to predictable entry-level positions—bookkeepers, accounting clerks, tax preparers—with clear salary ranges and advancement paths.
For an associate degree that costs roughly what a used car does, the math works if your student plans to enter the workforce immediately or transfer to complete a bachelor's. Just recognize you're betting on the broader track record of California community college accounting programs rather than Moorpark's proven results.
Where Moorpark College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in California (110 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,416 | $37,001* | — | $15,979* | — | |
| — | $41,351* | — | $17,375* | 0.42 | |
| $1,364 | $34,604* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Moorpark College, approximately 19% 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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.