Accounting at Renton Technical College

Based on similar accounting programs nationally, Renton Technical College's associate degree appears positioned around the national median, with estimated first-year earnings of $37,001 and debt near $16,000. That debt load is notably lighter than the typical $19,354 for comparable programs nationwide, which matters when you're looking at a two-year credential that gets graduates working quickly. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 suggests graduates could realistically manage repayment on entry-level accounting salaries.

What's less clear is how this program stacks up locally. Washington's accounting associate degree programs show considerable variation—the state median sits at $31,190, well below what peer programs nationally suggest for Renton. However, two nearby community colleges with reported data (Spokane at $33,193 and Tacoma at $29,188) fall between these benchmarks, offering some reassurance that the national estimate may be reasonable for this market. Washington State's stronger economy and higher cost of living could push outcomes above the state median.

The practical consideration: an associate degree in accounting is fundamentally about getting job-ready skills without excessive debt, and the estimated numbers here meet that standard. The relatively low debt burden provides breathing room even if actual earnings land closer to Washington's lower benchmark. Before committing, your child should connect with Renton's career services to understand local employer relationships and placement rates—those concrete connections matter more than statewide averages when the data itself is uncertain.