Biology at Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College's Biology associate's program shows concerning initial earnings that parents should scrutinize carefully. At $21,288 in the first year, graduates earn significantly below both the Texas median ($27,813) and the national average ($26,503), landing in just the 16th percentile nationally and 25th in Texas. Even within the state, programs at St. Philip's College and Austin Community College deliver starting earnings 60-70% higher. The debt burden of $10,913 isn't extreme, but when you're earning barely above minimum wage, even moderate debt becomes harder to manage.

The 75% earnings growth by year four deserves attention—jumping to $37,292 represents real income improvement. However, this trajectory suggests the degree may be serving primarily as a stepping stone rather than directly launching careers. For a student pursuing this path at TSTC, the value depends heavily on what comes next: whether they transfer to a four-year program, gain specialized certifications, or transition into higher-paying technical roles. The moderate sample size gives us reasonable confidence in these numbers.

For families considering this program, the fundamental question is whether biology at TSTC is part of a larger educational plan. If your child intends to continue their education, this could work as an affordable foundation. But as a standalone credential, it underperforms compared to other Texas community colleges where students start with $7,000-14,000 more in annual earnings right out of the gate.