Hospitality Administration/Management at Austin Community College District

Austin Community College's hospitality management program reports numbers that look exceptional nationally—95th percentile for earnings—but that's largely because associate-level hospitality programs typically produce weak outcomes nationwide. The real story: at $37,880 first-year earnings, graduates match the Texas median for this field, placing squarely at the 60th percentile statewide. For context, the national median for associate's hospitality programs is just $28,789, which helps explain why this seems so competitive on paper.

The debt load of $15,513 translates to a manageable 0.41 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe roughly 5 months of their first year's salary. That's reasonable territory for an associate degree, and Austin's relatively strong hospitality job market—driven by tourism, conventions, and the city's restaurant scene—provides a decent launching pad. The low 23% Pell grant rate suggests this program attracts students with more financial resources, which may correlate with better post-graduation outcomes.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift significantly with a larger sample. If your child is passionate about hospitality and wants to stay in Austin, this program offers a solid foundation at a price point that won't create long-term financial stress. Just understand they're entering a field where mid-$30Ks is the realistic starting point, even in one of Texas's best markets for this work.