Analysis
California's community colleges typically produce accounting associate graduates who earn in the mid-$30,000s their first year, and Oxnard's estimated outcomes sit squarely in that range at $37,001. The estimated debt load of about $16,000—substantially below both the state and national medians for this credential—suggests the program focuses on affordability. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than six months of gross income, which is manageable for an entry-level position.
The concern here isn't the numbers themselves but their uncertain foundation. These estimates come from similar programs nationwide, not from tracking Oxnard's actual graduates. The accounting programs across California show considerable variance—Mt. San Antonio College's graduates earn in the mid-$30,000s while others like Asher College push past $40,000. Without knowing where Oxnard specifically lands, you're making assumptions about job placement quality and employer connections based on peer institutions rather than verified outcomes. For a field as standardized as accounting, where credentials matter and CPA pathways are clear, the estimated figures suggest reasonable value—but reaching out to the program directly about their graduates' actual employment outcomes would give you far more confidence than these borrowed benchmarks can provide.
Where Oxnard 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)
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| 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 Oxnard College, approximately 35% 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.