Business Administration, Management and Operations at Houston Community College

Houston Community College's business associate degree produces steady but modest outcomes that beat the state average by a meaningful margin. While first-year earnings of $34,732 land at just above the national median, graduates in Texas typically start at $32,860—making this program a better-than-average choice among the state's 63 options. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, though it trails the top Texas community colleges by $5,000-9,000 annually.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $16,045, creating a manageable 0.46 ratio to first-year income. With 37% of students receiving Pell grants, accessibility appears solid for working-class Houston families. Earnings grow 13% by year four to $39,211, suggesting graduates find paths to slightly better positions over time, though they don't catch up to the highest-earning programs.

For a Houston family considering this program, the math works if you enter with realistic expectations. You're getting reliable preparation for entry-level business roles at a debt level that won't derail your finances. However, if you can access Dallas College or Lone Star's program without significant additional costs, those institutions deliver noticeably stronger earnings outcomes. This is a safe, middle-of-the-pack choice—not a standout investment, but far from a risky one.