Accounting at Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College's accounting associate's program starts students at an unusually low earning point—just $27,170 in the first year, which ranks in the bottom 5% nationally and 25th percentile statewide. However, the trajectory matters here: by year four, graduates see earnings jump to $47,026, a 73% increase that ultimately exceeds both the New York state median ($33,455) and national median ($37,000) for this degree. The real advantage is the debt load of just $9,784—roughly half the state median and significantly below the $19,354 national benchmark.

The question for parents is whether their child can weather those early lean years. That first-year salary suggests many graduates are working part-time or in entry-level retail positions while continuing their education or building skills. By year four, though, they're earning competitive bookkeeper or junior accountant wages without the debt burden carried by peers at other schools. Compare this to top-performing SUNY community colleges like Niagara County ($39,761 first-year) where students start stronger but may accumulate more debt.

This program works best for students who plan to continue working through school, can rely on family support during early career years, or intend to transfer for a bachelor's degree. The low debt creates flexibility that high earners with heavy loan payments don't have.