Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Austin Community College District

Austin Community College's liberal arts associate degree stands out as an exceptional performer in a field often criticized for weak career outcomes. With first-year earnings of $38,436, graduates earn 41% more than the national median for this program and rank in the 95th percentile nationally—remarkable for a general studies degree that typically struggles in the job market.

The program's success becomes even more impressive in Texas context, where it ranks in the 80th percentile and significantly outpaces the state median of $27,274. At $15,000 in median debt—only slightly above state and national averages—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 is quite manageable. The 23% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates successfully transition into better positions or continue their education effectively.

This represents one of the stronger liberal arts associate programs available, combining Austin's robust job market with solid career preparation. While the debt is modestly higher than typical for this degree type, the earnings premium more than justifies the investment, making this a surprisingly strong choice for students seeking a flexible foundation degree.