Accounting at Pasadena City College

Similar accounting programs across California typically lead to first-year earnings around $38,000, with an estimated debt load of $16,000—numbers that put Pasadena City College's program roughly in line with the state average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests manageable repayment, though it's worth noting that these figures are derived from peer programs nationally rather than tracked outcomes from PCC's own graduates.

California's accounting job market offers decent entry points for associate degree holders, particularly in the greater Los Angeles area where bookkeeping and accounting clerk positions remain steady. The estimated earnings here match the national median almost exactly, which is neither impressive nor alarming—it's simply what the market pays for this credential level. What matters more is whether your student plans to stop at the associate's or use it as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree and CPA licensure, where earnings potential increases substantially.

The practical takeaway: this appears to be a reasonable two-year option if accounting is truly the goal, but with limited actual data on PCC's specific outcomes, you're making a decision based on how similar programs perform elsewhere. The relatively modest debt estimate provides some cushion if the earnings reality turns out lower than projected, but verify job placement support and transfer pathways if your student's ambitions extend beyond entry-level bookkeeping roles.