Analysis
Ohio accounting associate's programs produce median first-year earnings around $35,700, which is where graduates from similar programs at Ohio University-Southern Campus likely land. That figure falls short of top performers like Cuyahoga Community College ($44,532) but aligns closely with several established state programs. The estimated debt of $18,516 creates a manageable 0.52 ratioβmeaning roughly half a year's salary to repay.
The practical math here works better than many associate's degrees. Based on comparable Ohio programs, graduates could reasonably expect to clear this debt within a few years while building accounting credentials that have clear paths to professional advancement. The earnings, while modest initially, track with both state and national norms for two-year accounting programs, and accounting skills remain in steady demand across industries.
The limitation is real, though: without program-specific data from this campus, you're betting on Ohio University-Southern matching the performance of peer institutions. The low Pell grant percentage (12%) suggests this campus may serve a different demographic than typical community colleges, which could signal either strong student resources or limited enrollment diversity. If your student can connect with recent graduates or verify job placement rates directly with the program, that would help confirm whether this specific campus delivers the outcomes that similar Ohio programs typically produce.
Where Ohio University-Southern Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,178 | $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 Ohio University-Southern Campus, approximately 12% 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.