Business Administration, Management and Operations at Lone Star College System

Lone Star's business certificate puts graduates right in the middle of the pack—below both the national and Texas medians, but with notably less debt than most alternatives. At $10,015 in student loans versus $14,500 for the typical Texas program, students here borrow about 30% less, which translates to roughly $50 less per month in loan payments over a ten-year term.

The challenge is that earnings remain relatively flat, moving from $37,686 to just $39,226 over four years. Compare that to what's possible in Texas: Dallas College and Tarrant County grads earn $46,000-$48,000 annually, though they likely carry more debt. Still, Lone Star's 40th percentile ranking in the state means six in ten similar Texas programs produce better-earning graduates.

The math works if your child can leverage this certificate as a stepping stone—either into a job with growth potential or as a foundation for further education. The low debt burden means they won't be trapped by loan payments if they need to continue their education. But as a standalone credential, this certificate delivers modest returns compared to what's available elsewhere in Texas. Parents should weigh the convenience and lower cost against the earnings gap.