Business Administration, Management and Operations at Dallas College

Dallas College's business management associate degree places graduates near the top of their field right from the start—86th percentile nationally and 80th percentile in Texas, where they outpace the state's $32,860 median by more than $9,500. First-year earnings of $42,440 are strong for a two-year degree, trailing only Tarrant County College among major Texas community colleges. At $15,016 in debt, graduates owe just over a third of their first-year salary, a manageable load that most should clear within a few years.

The catch is that earnings barely budge after graduation, growing only $1,300 over four years. This isn't unusual for community college business programs—you're gaining credentials for entry-level positions, not launching into a steep career trajectory. Many graduates likely use this degree as a stepping stone, either transferring to complete a bachelor's or leveraging their work experience to move up internally. The immediate return relative to modest debt makes this a practical choice, particularly for students who need to start earning quickly while keeping educational costs low.

For families weighing options, Dallas College delivers what matters most in an associate degree: strong starting earnings without crushing debt. The limited earnings growth suggests your child should have a plan for what comes next, whether that's continued education or strategic career moves.