Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Accounting associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (47 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Lone Star College System$31,081
Austin Community College District$58,469$44,916$22,2150.38
Dallas College$37,031$42,387$14,5270.39
Houston Community College$34,447$44,912$18,7490.54
Southwest University at El Paso$33,024$28,315$20,0000.61
Blinn College District$32,243$19,0000.59
National Median$37,000$19,3540.52

Other Accounting Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Austin Community College District
Austin
$2,550$58,469$22,215
Dallas College
Dallas
$2,370$37,031$14,527
Houston Community College
Houston
$2,040$34,447$18,749
Southwest University at El Paso
El Paso
$16,000$33,024$20,000
Blinn College District
Brenham
$4,580$32,243$19,000

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 Lone Star College System, approximately 23% 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.