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

At first glance, Odessa College's liberal arts associate degree shows impressive earnings growth—graduates earning $28,193 in year one jump to $43,149 by year four, a 53% increase that outpaces typical community college outcomes. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Texas schools, placing it solidly above the state median of $27,274. Combined with relatively low debt of $7,500 (about $3,000 less than the state average), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27 suggests graduates can manage their loans comfortably even in that first year.

However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—makes these numbers less reliable than larger programs. This matters because year-one earnings of $28,193 translate to roughly $14/hour, which is barely above minimum wage in many areas. While the four-year jump is encouraging, it's unclear whether this growth reflects the degree's value or simply students gaining work experience and moving up in jobs that may not have required the credential at all. Looking at top Texas programs earning $36,000-$40,000, there's a noticeable gap.

For students planning to transfer to a four-year university, this could serve as an affordable foundation. But if your child intends this as a terminal degree, understand they're likely starting in entry-level positions with modest pay. The low debt keeps this affordable as an exploration year, but set realistic expectations about immediate earning potential.