Accounting at Peninsula College

Comparable accounting associate degree programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—a figure that aligns precisely with national benchmarks but exceeds what most Washington state programs typically produce. Washington's median for this credential sits at just $31,000, meaning Peninsula's peer-based estimate positions graduates above the state average, though real outcomes could vary significantly given the lack of school-specific data.

The estimated debt load of roughly $16,000 works out favorably against these projected earnings, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43. That's manageable for an entry-level accounting position, especially compared to the national median debt of $19,000 for this credential. With monthly payments potentially around $180 on a standard repayment plan, graduates earning $37,000 would dedicate about 6% of gross income to loans—a sustainable scenario if the earnings materialize as estimated.

The uncertainty here matters more than usual. Peninsula's actual graduate outcomes remain unpublished due to small cohort sizes, so these figures represent what similar programs produce, not what this specific program delivers. For a parent whose child is set on staying in Port Angeles or rural Washington, the program could make sense given the reasonable estimated debt. But if mobility isn't an issue, exploring larger Washington community colleges with published data—like Spokane or Tacoma—would provide clearer expectations about actual outcomes rather than national projections.