Teaching Assistants/Aides at Texas State Technical College

The standout number here is the sharp earnings drop—from $35,369 in the first year to $25,487 by year four. That 28% decline is unusual and suggests graduates may start in full-time classroom aide positions but shift to part-time work or leave the field entirely. While first-year earnings beat the national median by nearly $11,000 and place this program in the 95th percentile nationally, that initial advantage evaporates quickly. The debt load of $9,216 is reasonable, but it becomes less manageable as earnings fall.

Context matters here: Texas has only four schools offering this associate's degree, so comparison points are limited. The 60th percentile ranking within Texas suggests middle-of-the-pack performance statewide, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could swing significantly year to year. The earnings pattern raises questions about career stability in this field—teaching aide positions often depend on school budgets and may not guarantee full-time hours.

For families considering this path, the low debt is a plus, but the declining earnings trajectory is concerning. If your child plans to use this as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's in education, it could make sense. As a standalone credential for long-term employment, the unstable earnings suggest exploring alternatives or planning for additional credentials down the line.