Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,703
Est. from OH median (7 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,516
Est. from OH median (3 programs)

Analysis

Sinclair's accounting associate program shows estimates from peer Ohio programs suggesting first-year earnings around $35,700β€”right at the state median but notably below what graduates earn at Cuyahoga Community College ($44,500) and Stark State College ($38,700). The debt estimate of $18,500 is actually lower than both the state and national medians, which creates a workable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. By year four, the reported figure of $42,900 indicates meaningful salary growth, putting graduates squarely at the national 75th percentile.

The real story here is the gap between what similar programs produce across Ohio. That $9,000 difference between Sinclair's estimated outcome and Cuyahoga's actual figure mattersβ€”it's equivalent to several months of additional salary. Whether this reflects regional job markets (Dayton versus Cleveland) or program differences isn't clear from the data, but it's worth investigating what connections each school has with local employers.

For a two-year credential, the estimated debt load seems manageable relative to first-year earnings, and the four-year trajectory suggests accounting skills do lead to advancement. However, given the wide range of outcomes among Ohio community colleges, visit Sinclair specifically to ask about job placement rates, internship partnerships, and where recent graduates actually landed. The estimates suggest adequacy, but you'll want to confirm this program specifically delivers on its promise.

Where Sinclair Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Sinclair Community Collegeβ€”$42,935β€”
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College$35,703$49,894+40%
Cuyahoga Community College District$44,532$46,606+5%
Bryant & Stratton College-Parma$36,958$38,715+5%
Ohio Business College-Sheffield$34,785$36,239+4%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Sinclair Community CollegeDayton$3,435$35,703*$42,935$18,516*β€”
Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland$3,736$44,532*$46,606$15,931*0.36
Stark State CollegeNorth Canton$4,670$38,671*$35,917$19,455*0.50
Bryant & Stratton College-ParmaParma$19,542$36,958*$38,715$26,291*0.71
Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati$5,400$35,703*$49,894$18,516*0.52
Ohio Business College-SheffieldSheffield Village$9,385$34,785*$36,239$32,361*0.93
National Medianβ€”$37,000*β€”$19,354*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Sinclair Community College, approximately 27% 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 median of 7 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.