Analysis
Texas State Technical College's Design and Applied Arts program starts graduates at just $23,345—well below both Texas peers ($32,467 median) and the national average ($27,846). Among the 28 Texas schools offering this associate's degree, this program ranks in the bottom quarter. Nearby Austin Community College graduates earn nearly $17,000 more in their first year, while even Dallas College students start $8,000 higher. The 22% earnings growth over four years brings graduates to $28,471, but that still lags behind where many comparable programs start their students.
The $15,679 in debt isn't catastrophic relative to initial earnings, but when combined with below-average starting salaries, it creates a longer path to financial stability than similar programs in Texas. With 45% of students receiving Pell grants, many come from families where maximizing that first paycheck matters significantly.
For a parent weighing community college options in Texas, this program underperforms its peers substantially. Unless your child has a specific technical specialization at this campus that isn't available elsewhere, Austin Community College or even Dallas College would likely provide better early-career earnings for similar or lower debt. The value proposition here simply doesn't match what other accessible Texas options deliver.
Where Texas State Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas State Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas State Technical College | $23,345 | $28,471 | +22% |
| The New School | $44,640 | $54,096 | +21% |
| Dallas College | $31,478 | $40,260 | +28% |
| Austin Community College District | $40,289 | $40,255 | -0% |
| Collin County Community College District | $33,456 | $34,139 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Design and Applied Arts associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Texas State Technical CollegeWaco | $7,192 | $23,345 | $28,471 | $15,679 | 0.67 |
 Austin Community College DistrictAustin | $2,550 | $40,289 | $40,255 | $19,939 | 0.49 |
 Collin County Community College DistrictMcKinney | $1,864 | $33,456 | $34,139 | $6,900 | 0.21 |
 Dallas CollegeDallas | $2,370 | $31,478 | $40,260 | $11,835 | 0.38 |
| National Median | — | $27,846 | — | $14,454 | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Texas State Technical College, approximately 45% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 49 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.