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

The headline here is remarkable earnings growth: graduates see their income jump 83% by year four, reaching $36,935—a figure that actually exceeds many Texas community colleges. That trajectory matters more than the rocky $20,209 start, which lands in just the 5th percentile nationally but reflects typical early challenges for associate-level liberal arts graduates.

Within Texas, Kilgore performs below the state median initially but catches up as graduates gain experience. The $13,025 in debt is manageable, roughly 36% higher than the state average but still reasonable given the eventual earnings. With more than a third of students receiving Pell grants, many come from backgrounds where this stepping-stone credential—whether toward a bachelor's degree or direct workforce entry—represents meaningful social mobility.

The real question is trajectory: are you comfortable with your child earning $20,000 in that first year while they find their footing? If they're using this degree as a transfer platform to a four-year school, those early earnings may be irrelevant. If they're entering the workforce immediately, that 83% income increase suggests they're building valuable skills and connections, even if the starting point is rough. For families needing an affordable entry point to higher education, the modest debt combined with strong growth potential makes this workable, though students should understand they're signing up for a slower launch than peers at top Texas community colleges.