Accounting at Portland Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $40,816 at Portland Community College come in 14% above the national median of $35,807 for Accounting programs.
The 43.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 62% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Accounting graduates.
With first-year pay of $40,816 far exceeding the $17,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #61 out of 176 programs, Portland Community College's Accounting offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $40,816 to $44,473 over five years (9% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Accounting, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Accounting graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial managers | $161,700 | +14.8% | 50% |
| Financial risk specialists | $106,000 | +6.5% | 47% |
| Financial and investment analysts | $101,350 | +5.7% | 54% |
Accounting Career Guide
Accounting opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.
Compare & Explore
Accounting Overview
Accounting at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.