Analysis
California's 110 accounting programs report a median debt of $17,375, making the estimated $23,823 here notably higher than what most in-state students carry. That difference matters when first-year earnings from comparable programs hover around $37,000—right at the national median but below California's typical $37,978. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 isn't alarming on its own, but it reflects a combination that's less favorable than peer programs achieve in the state.
The challenge is straightforward: higher debt paired with earnings that merely match national averages creates tighter financial margins in California's expensive markets. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are likely stretching budgets already. Programs like Mt. San Antonio College demonstrate that California community colleges can deliver accounting credentials at lower cost, which raises questions about whether this program's structure—possibly involving a private career training model—justifies the additional debt burden.
Given that both earnings and debt figures are estimated from similar programs rather than this school's actual outcomes, proceed cautiously. Visit the campus, ask detailed questions about job placement rates and employer relationships in the Yuba City area, and compare the total program cost against community college alternatives before committing.
Where Sutter County Career Training Center Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in California (110 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $37,001* | — | $23,823* | — | |
| — | $41,351* | — | $17,375* | 0.42 | |
| $1,364 | $34,604* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $37,000* | — | $19,354* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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 Sutter County Career Training Center, approximately 46% 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 national median of 118 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.