Analysis
At around $36,000 in first-year earnings based on comparable Ohio programs, this associate degree in accounting produces income that roughly matches the state median but trails top performers by a meaningful margin. Cuyahoga Community College graduates earn about $44,500, showing that choice of school matters even within the same state system. The estimated debt load of $18,500 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52βlower than the typical Ohio accounting program at $24,750βwhich suggests students here aren't overpaying for their credential.
What makes this program harder to evaluate is that both the earnings and debt figures are estimates drawn from peer institutions, not actual outcomes from North Central State College graduates. The small sample size that triggers this suppression could mean anything from a new program to simply fewer students completing this track. Similar Ohio programs show significant variation in outcomes, and without knowing where North Central State falls in that range, parents are making a decision with incomplete information about this specific school's track record in placing accounting graduates and managing student costs.
Where North Central State College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,624 | $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 North Central State College, approximately 24% 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.