Business Administration, Management and Operations at Grayson College

Grayson College's associate business program generates solid earnings with exceptionally manageable debt, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means these outcomes may vary more than typical. Graduates earn $38,866 within their first year—outperforming 60% of Texas business programs and 71% of programs nationally. More impressive is the $6,750 median debt, which ranks among the lowest 5% nationally and is less than half the Texas median of $16,045.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means graduates owe roughly two months' salary, creating immediate financial flexibility that's rare even among community colleges. While top Texas programs like Tarrant County and Dallas College edge ahead in earnings by $4,000-5,000, their graduates typically carry significantly more debt. For students prioritizing a clean financial start—particularly the 31% receiving Pell grants—this tradeoff favors Grayson's lighter debt load.

The small sample size is worth noting: outcomes for individual students may differ more than at larger programs. But for a local student seeking an affordable business credential without relocating to Dallas or Fort Worth, Grayson delivers competitive earnings while keeping debt unusually low. That combination is hard to beat for families watching every dollar.