Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Del Mar College

Del Mar College's Liberal Arts associate degree starts slow but shows something remarkable: earnings that nearly double within four years, jumping from $22,108 to $36,844. That 67% growth trajectory eventually pulls graduates close to the state median, though they begin well below it. Among Texas liberal arts programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile for first-year earnings, trailing schools like Central Texas College and Austin Community College by significant margins.

The $8,680 median debt is manageable—lower than both state and national averages—which helps offset the weak initial earnings. That debt burden represents about 40% of first-year income, a reasonable ratio that most graduates should be able to manage. The challenge is that first post-graduation year, when recent graduates earn roughly $5,000 less than their peers at comparable Texas programs.

For families considering this path: understand you're trading short-term earning power for potentially strong growth. If your student can weather that initial low-wage period (perhaps through family support or continued part-time work), the trajectory improves substantially. But if they need immediate post-graduation income—to help with family expenses or start paying down debt quickly—other Texas community colleges deliver stronger Day One returns. This program works best for students who have runway to let their career develop.