Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Dallas College

Dallas College's Liberal Arts associate degree delivers surprisingly strong earnings outcomes that significantly outperform national expectations. With first-year median earnings of $33,060, graduates earn $6,000 more than the national median for this program—placing them in the 87th percentile nationally. The debt burden is reasonable at $11,000, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates typically owe about four months of their first year's salary.

However, the Texas context tells a more nuanced story. While Dallas College graduates still earn above the state median ($27,274), they rank only in the 60th percentile among Texas programs. Several community colleges in the state—including Central Texas College and Austin Community College—produce graduates earning $5,000-$6,000 more annually. The 22% earnings growth from year one to four is encouraging, suggesting good career trajectory potential for graduates.

For parents considering this program, Dallas College offers solid value with above-average earnings and manageable debt, making it a safe choice that's unlikely to burden your child financially. However, if your student has admission options at higher-performing Texas community colleges, those might offer better long-term earning potential. This program works well as a stepping stone to a four-year degree or for students seeking stable employment with associate-level credentials.