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

Midland College's Liberal Arts associate degree shows one of the state's lowest debt burdens—just $5,500 compared to Texas's $10,500 median—but graduates start at $24,147, which puts them below both the state and national medians for this program. Among Texas liberal arts programs, this sits at the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of similar programs produce higher-earning graduates. The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes these figures less reliable, though the low debt is a consistent institutional pattern worth noting.

The earnings trajectory tells a more complicated story. First-year earnings trail Texas community college leaders like Central Texas College ($39,731) by over $15,000, but graduates see 57% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $38,000. This suggests the degree may serve as a stepping stone—perhaps students transfer to four-year schools or gain traction in Midland's energy-driven economy after building experience. The minimal debt makes this runway easier to navigate than programs where students graduate owing twice as much.

For Texas families, this is a low-risk entry point that won't saddle students with burdensome loans, but shouldn't be mistaken for a strong earnings program. If your student plans to transfer or is using this as a foundation while working in Midland's local industries, the low debt makes sense. If they're hoping for immediate earning power from an associate degree alone, other Texas community colleges deliver better outcomes right out of the gate.