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

Vernon College's liberal arts associate degree outperforms most similar programs in Texas, placing in the 60th percentile statewide—solidly above the state median of $27,274. Students here earn $28,648 one year out and see that grow to $37,208 by year four, a 30% increase that suggests graduates are building real momentum in the job market. The $12,000 debt load is modest, translating to just 42 cents owed for every dollar earned in that first year, which is manageable even on entry-level wages.

The caveat here matters: we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly. That said, the earnings trajectory is encouraging—graduates aren't stuck in low-wage work. While top Texas programs like Central Texas College ($39,731) and Austin Community College ($38,436) show higher earnings, Vernon College serves a different population (38% Pell-eligible) and delivers respectable outcomes at lower debt than many competitors.

For families in rural North Texas seeking an affordable credential that opens doors without crushing debt, this looks reasonable. The key is understanding that an associate's in liberal arts functions as either a transfer foundation or a stepping stone to jobs requiring some college—it's rarely an endpoint. If your child plans to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree or already has work experience to complement the credential, the value proposition holds up.