Business Administration, Management and Operations at Hill College

Hill College's business associate degree shows steady earnings progression, though the small graduate sample means these numbers could shift year to year. Starting at $36,436 and climbing to nearly $45,000 by year four represents solid 23% growth—better than many associate programs that plateau early. The $11,000 median debt is notably lower than both the Texas median ($16,045) and national average ($13,980), creating a manageable debt load at just 30% of first-year earnings.

The program lands squarely at the 60th percentile both nationally and within Texas, meaning graduates earn more than most peers from similar programs. However, it trails the state's top performers by $5,000-7,000 in starting salary. For a rural Texas community college serving a significant Pell grant population, these outcomes represent reasonable value—students aren't taking on crushing debt for below-market earnings.

The caveat matters here: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, one exceptional or struggling cohort can skew results considerably. That said, the fundamentals look sound for students seeking an affordable business credential without the four-year commitment. This works best for students prioritizing low debt and steady income over maximizing starting salary, particularly if they plan to continue working while pursuing a bachelor's degree later.