Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Austin Community College District

Austin Community College's Mental and Social Health Services program performs better than most Texas alternatives, though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift year to year. At the 60th percentile among Texas programs, it edges above the state median of $30,800—a modest but meaningful advantage when you're starting in a helping profession. The $19,185 in debt comes with a manageable 0.60 ratio to first-year earnings, right at the national median for both debt and earnings.

The tradeoff here is straightforward: this is an accessible entry point into mental health support roles, but $31,821 annually means you're making career decisions that prioritize service over salary. That said, associate's degrees in this field often serve as stepping stones to bachelor's programs or state certifications that unlock higher pay. The debt load won't handcuff those next steps.

The small sample size matters—with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, one unusual year could skew the picture. But for a community college program that costs considerably less than four-year options while outperforming most Texas peers, this represents a practical path for students drawn to behavioral health work and willing to build their career incrementally.