Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Houston Community College
Associate's Degree
hccs.eduAnalysis
Houston Community College's Liberal Arts associate degree program delivers surprisingly strong value, particularly given its extremely low debt burden. With graduates owing just $17,106—ranking in the 8th percentile nationally for debt (meaning 92% of similar programs saddle students with more debt)—this program offers one of the most affordable paths to higher education you'll find.
The earnings picture is solid if not spectacular. First-year graduates earn $29,423, which beats both the national median ($27,248) and Texas median ($27,274) for this program type, ranking in the 67th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Texas. More importantly, earnings grow substantially over time—jumping 33% to $39,120 by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 means students can reasonably expect to pay off their loans relatively quickly compared to most college programs.
While this program doesn't crack the top tier of Texas liberal arts programs (which earn $35,000-$40,000 in year one), the combination of low debt and steady earnings growth makes it a pragmatic choice. For families prioritizing affordability and financial stability over maximum earning potential, HCC offers a clear path to a college credential without the crushing debt that often accompanies higher education. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these numbers are reliable.
Where Houston Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Houston Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College | $29,423 | $39,120 | +33% |
| Austin Community College District | $38,436 | $47,311 | +23% |
| Brazosport College | $26,792 | $43,542 | +63% |
| Odessa College | $28,193 | $43,149 | +53% |
| Dallas College | $33,060 | $40,431 | +22% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (73 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Houston Community CollegeHouston | $2,040 | $29,423 | $39,120 | $17,106 | 0.58 |
 Central Texas CollegeKilleen | $3,150 | $39,731 | $40,293 | $8,400 | 0.21 |
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $38,436 | $47,311 | $15,000 | 0.39 |
 Howard CollegeBig Spring | $2,766 | $36,240 | $35,922 | $14,233 | 0.39 |
| Southwest College for the DeafBig Spring | $2,766 | $36,240 | $35,922 | $14,233 | 0.39 |
 Alvin Community CollegeAlvin | $1,834 | $35,306 | $36,759 | $8,081 | 0.23 |
| National Median | — | $27,248 | — | $10,950 | 0.40 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Houston Community College, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 702 graduates with reported earnings and 1569 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.