Accounting at Yakima Valley College

Based on comparable programs nationwide, this accounting associate's degree carries an estimated $15,979 in debt—noticeably lower than both the national median of $19,354 and Washington state's median of $21,207. That debt load against first-year earnings around $37,000 produces a manageable ratio of 0.43, meaning graduates would owe less than half their annual salary. For a two-year credential, that's a reasonable starting point.

The estimated earnings picture tells a more complex story. While the first-year figure aligns with the national median, it sits above Washington's state median of $31,190, suggesting this program may perform better than typical in-state alternatives. However, the four-year earnings of $38,336 show minimal growth—barely $1,300 over three years. Similar programs at Spokane and Tacoma community colleges report outcomes in the same general range, which provides some validation but also confirms that accounting associate's degrees in Washington tend to produce modest starting salaries.

The key question is whether this credential serves as a stepping stone. If your child plans to continue toward a bachelor's degree or professional certification, the lower debt burden makes this a strategic starting point. If they intend to enter the workforce after two years, understand that earnings growth appears limited based on peer outcomes, and career advancement may require additional credentials down the line.