Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at North Central Texas College

North Central Texas College's liberal arts associate's degree punches well above its weight class. At $34,615 in first-year earnings, graduates earn about $7,300 more than the typical liberal arts associate's holder nationally—placing this program in the 94th percentile nationwide. Among Texas's 73 schools offering this degree, it ranks in the 80th percentile, trailing only heavyweights like Central Texas College and Austin Community College District.

The debt picture makes this particularly appealing: $11,546 is manageable for any degree, translating to just 33 cents owed for every dollar earned in that crucial first year. While debt runs slightly above the state median of $10,500, the earnings premium more than compensates. Earnings growth to $39,477 by year four shows solid momentum, suggesting graduates are finding career traction rather than hitting immediate ceilings.

For a community college liberal arts degree—often dismissed as a credential without clear career pathways—these outcomes are impressive. This program appears to serve its North Texas community well, likely benefiting from the region's economic opportunities. Parents should feel confident this represents a low-risk pathway, especially for students who need an affordable associate's degree before transferring or entering the workforce.