Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Paris Junior College

Paris Junior College's Liberal Arts certificate carries minimal financial risk—$6,575 in debt is well below the $9,375 national median—but the earning potential is modest at $24,922. What's interesting here is the Texas context: while this program sits at the national 35th percentile, it performs at the 60th percentile among Texas programs, suggesting this is actually a typical outcome for certificate-holders in the state rather than an underperforming program.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 is excellent, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income. This low-debt advantage matters more than the raw earnings number, especially for students exploring options or needing credentials quickly. At community college prices, this certificate doesn't close doors financially.

The real consideration is whether this certificate serves as a stepping stone or an endpoint. First-year earnings in the mid-$20,000s suggest entry-level work, which may be appropriate if your child plans to transfer to a four-year program or needs immediate workforce entry. The low debt load preserves flexibility for either path without creating financial burden.