Business/Commerce at El Paso Community College

El Paso Community College's business program starts graduates at just $25,900—roughly $7,000 below the Texas median and landing in the bottom 5% nationally. That's a tough first year, with earnings well below what similar programs deliver across the state. Among Texas business associate programs, this sits at the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable programs produce higher initial earnings. Compare that to Austin Community College or even Dallas College, where graduates start around $34,000-$43,000.

The silver lining is genuine growth: earnings jump 32% by year four to $34,170, which brings graduates closer to state norms. Combined with minimal debt of $6,250 (just over three months of starting salary), the financial burden is manageable even with those modest initial earnings. For El Paso families—where 36% of students receive Pell grants—that low debt matters. You're not gambling with large loans, which provides some cushion while earnings catch up.

The fundamental question is whether your student can handle that first year or two at $26,000, knowing that better-paying alternatives exist elsewhere in Texas. If staying local is necessary and the debt is this manageable, the trajectory improves enough to make it workable. But if relocating is possible, other Texas community colleges are delivering $8,000-$17,000 more right out of the gate.