Accounting at Pima Community College

Pima Community College's accounting associate degree starts promisingly with first-year earnings of $37,358, essentially matching the national median. The real concern is what happens next: graduates earn **less** four years out than they did immediately after graduation, dropping to $34,454. Among Arizona's 21 accounting programs, this one ranks at the 40th percentile—meaning six in ten Arizona accounting programs produce better earning outcomes.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $12,098, graduates borrow significantly less than both the state median ($18,446) and national median ($19,354), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. With a third of students receiving Pell grants, this represents an accessible pathway into accounting careers. The problem isn't affordability—it's the trajectory after graduation.

For parents, the central question is whether an associate degree alone will meet your child's career goals. The declining earnings pattern suggests many graduates may need additional credentials or pivot careers within a few years. If your child plans to continue toward a bachelor's degree while working, the low debt load makes this a reasonable first step. If they're planning to stop at the associate level, understand that earnings may plateau or decline rather than grow with experience.