Business/Commerce at Alvin Community College

At $30,445 in first-year earnings, Alvin Community College's business associate degree lags behind most Texas programs—it ranks right at the state median for outcomes. The gap with top performers like Austin Community College ($43,267) or nearby Dallas College ($34,095) is substantial, though it's worth noting this data comes from a very small sample of graduates, so individual outcomes may vary considerably.

The silver lining here is remarkably low debt: $6,417 is well below both the state median ($10,655) and national median ($13,437) for business associate programs. This means graduates enter the workforce with minimal financial burden, making it easier to build savings or pursue further education without the pressure of hefty loan payments. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.21 is quite manageable—one of the better figures you'll find for any two-year program.

For a family prioritizing affordability over immediate earning power, this could work as a low-risk credential that opens doors to entry-level business roles without the debt trap. However, if maximizing early career earnings is the goal, other Houston-area community colleges may offer stronger returns. The small sample size means these numbers might shift with more data, so contact the college directly about typical career paths and whether students commonly transfer to four-year programs—that fuller picture matters here.