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

Temple College's liberal arts program achieves something rare: associate's degree holders here earn more than those at 68% of similar programs nationwide while carrying significantly less debt. At $14,534, student debt sits in the 20th percentile nationally—meaning only 20% of programs burden graduates with less. That 0.49 debt-to-earnings ratio represents a manageable financial starting point for a two-year degree, especially given that median earnings climb to $37,070 by year four, a 25% gain that outpaces inflation.

Within Texas, this program lands in the 60th percentile for earnings—respectable but not exceptional. Temple College trails community colleges like Central Texas ($39,731) and Austin Community College ($38,436) by roughly $10,000 in first-year earnings. Still, the combination of below-average debt and above-median earnings creates breathing room that matters for the 40% of students here who rely on Pell grants.

The trajectory is the real story here. That $7,500 earnings jump over four years suggests graduates are successfully building careers rather than stagnating in entry-level positions. For families worried about taking on debt for a liberal arts associate's degree, Temple offers a financially sensible path—just understand you're paying for stability and affordability rather than the highest possible starting salary in Texas.