Accounting at Strayer University-Florida

With an estimated debt load of $23,823—slightly above both the national median and what comparable Florida programs typically carry—this associate's degree points to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 in the first year. That's manageable on paper, though based on similar Florida accounting programs, first-year earnings around $39,000 mean monthly loan payments will claim a meaningful slice of take-home pay. By year four, the $46,000 earnings figure suggests solid progression, which is typical for accounting credentials that provide a foundation for further advancement.

The challenge is context. Top-performing accounting programs in Florida are producing first-year outcomes ranging from $48,000 down to the mid-$30,000s, and with 70% of Strayer's students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters even more. The estimated figures here—derived from peer programs statewide—suggest middle-of-the-road performance, neither standout nor alarming. But without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're operating somewhat blind.

The practical takeaway: this program appears viable if your child needs flexibility (Strayer specializes in working adult education) and has a clear path to use the associate's degree as a stepping stone—whether toward a bachelor's or direct entry into bookkeeping or accounting clerk roles. If they're comparison shopping, community colleges in the Tampa area produce similar estimated outcomes with lower tuition tags, which could reduce that debt burden considerably.