Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Austin Community College District
Associate's Degree
austincc.eduAnalysis
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.
Where Austin Community College District Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Austin Community College District graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College District | $38,436 | $47,311 | +23% |
| Brazosport College | $26,792 | $43,542 | +63% |
| Odessa College | $28,193 | $43,149 | +53% |
| Dallas College | $33,060 | $40,431 | +22% |
| Collin County Community College District | $32,114 | $40,367 | +26% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (73 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $38,436 | $47,311 | $15,000 | 0.39 |
 Central Texas CollegeKilleen | $3,150 | $39,731 | $40,293 | $8,400 | 0.21 |
 Howard CollegeBig Spring | $2,766 | $36,240 | $35,922 | $14,233 | 0.39 |
| Southwest College for the DeafBig Spring | $2,766 | $36,240 | $35,922 | $14,233 | 0.39 |
 Alvin Community CollegeAlvin | $1,834 | $35,306 | $36,759 | $8,081 | 0.23 |
 North Central Texas CollegeGainesville | $2,520 | $34,615 | $39,477 | $11,546 | 0.33 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Austin Community College District, approximately 23% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 442 graduates with reported earnings and 1079 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.