Business/Commerce at DeVry University-Texas

DeVry's Texas business associate program ranks in the top 20% nationally and statewide for earnings—graduates earn $44,000 within a year, placing them ahead of comparable programs at Austin Community College and well above Texas's $33,000 state median. That $11,000 earnings advantage over typical in-state programs is real money. The challenge is cost: at over $30,000 in debt, students are borrowing nearly three times what community college students typically take on for similar associate degrees in Texas.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 means graduates face manageable but meaningful debt—less than one year's salary. While this beats many for-profit programs, it's worth noting that nearby Dallas College and Collin County Community College produce similar business graduates who earn in the mid-$30,000s with minimal debt. Your child would need that extra $10,000 in annual earnings to justify the premium, which the data suggests is achievable.

The bottom line: If your child can attend a Texas community college, the lower debt makes strong financial sense even with slightly reduced earnings. DeVry's program commands its higher price through demonstrably better outcomes, but families should ensure they're not eligible for more affordable pathways first—especially given that 37% of DeVry's students qualify for Pell grants, suggesting many families stretch financially to attend.