Accounting at Spokane Community College

Spokane Community College's associate accounting program outperforms most Washington state competitors, landing in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $33,193—notably above the state median of $31,190. That's actually meaningful context: Washington's accounting graduates tend to earn less than the national median ($37,000), so beating the state average matters here. The debt load of $21,207 translates to a 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio, which sits in reasonable territory for an associate degree that can launch a career relatively quickly.

The sample size caveat is real—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates—so these numbers could shift with a larger cohort. Still, the program demonstrates consistent value within its regional market, particularly when you consider that it's exceeding local benchmarks while keeping debt in check. For families weighing in-state community college options in the Spokane area, this program delivers competitive preparation without the premium pricing of four-year institutions.

The practical takeaway: If your student plans to work in Washington's accounting field and wants to minimize time to employment, this represents a solid stepping stone. The earnings may not match national figures, but they're competitive for the region, and the debt burden won't follow them for decades. Just recognize you're betting on a smaller data set than ideal.