Analysis
Lee College's Liberal Arts Associate's delivers something rare for general studies programs: graduates actually earn more than the typical Texas worker with this degree. At $31,916 in the first year, students land in the 82nd percentile nationally and 60th percentile statewide—solid results that put them roughly $4,600 ahead of the national median. The debt load of $8,476 translates to just three months of gross earnings, well below the concerning levels we see at many community colleges.
The small sample size here (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift with more data, but the fundamentals look sound. Lee College serves a working-class population in the Houston metro area (32% receive Pell grants), and these earnings suggest the program successfully connects students to jobs that pay above retail or food service wages. The modest 4% earnings growth to year four isn't dramatic, but it maintains the advantage over state and national peers.
For a parent weighing options, this program offers manageable debt and earnings that comfortably exceed what most Liberal Arts Associate's graduates achieve in Texas. It's not going to match the earning power of the state's top programs—Central Texas College graduates earn $8,000 more—but the debt-to-earnings ratio suggests minimal financial risk. If your student needs an affordable, low-stakes path to either enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year school, Lee College delivers decent value at a reasonable price.
Where Lee College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Lee 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee College | $31,916 | $33,167 | +4% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lee CollegeBaytown | $2,166 | $31,916 | $33,167 | $8,476 | 0.27 |
 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 Lee College, approximately 32% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.