Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Hill College

Hill College's liberal arts associate program starts graduates at just $22,509—roughly $5,000 below both the state and national median. Among Texas community colleges offering this degree, it ranks in the bottom quarter, and graduates here earn about $17,000 less than peers at Central Texas College or Austin Community College. The debt load of $9,098 is slightly better than average, but that's cold comfort when first-year earnings barely exceed $20,000.

The silver lining is significant earnings growth: income jumps 37% to $30,850 by year four, reaching near the national 75th percentile for this degree. That trajectory matters, but it also means graduates are spending their early twenties making very little money while carrying nearly $10,000 in debt. For a two-year degree, that's a difficult start, even if things improve later.

If your child is considering Hill College for liberal arts, understand they're accepting below-average initial outcomes compared to other Texas options. The program works better for students who can minimize debt through family support or Pell grants, and who have a clear plan for leveraging the degree into better-paying work. Those comparing Texas community colleges should look closely at Austin CC or Central Texas College, where graduates start nearly $16,000 ahead.