Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Houston Community College

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.