Accounting at Strayer University-South Carolina

Similar accounting programs in South Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $41,000 for this associate degree—a figure that puts it right at the state median but above the national benchmark. However, the estimated debt load of nearly $24,000 raises concerns when 79% of students here rely on Pell grants. That's roughly $7,000 more than what students typically carry at other SC accounting programs, and noticeably higher than the $19,000 national median for this credential.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means students would owe about seven months of their first year's salary—manageable on paper, but tight when you're working entry-level accounting jobs while servicing that loan balance. Four-year earnings climbing to $46,000 suggest steady but modest growth, which is typical for associate-level accounting roles that often max out unless paired with additional credentials or certifications.

For families weighing this program, the key question is cost. Technical colleges across South Carolina deliver comparable accounting outcomes with substantially less debt. Before committing to Strayer's estimated price tag, compare the actual cost of attendance here against schools like Greenville Tech or Midlands Tech, where graduates enter similar jobs but with debt loads closer to $17,000. The difference of $7,000 in borrowing represents real money for students already stretching to afford college.