Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 17.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,254
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,921
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 26.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 | $12,455 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,941 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $52,107 | $10,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,231 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,214 | $17,487 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,321 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $46,321 | $9,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $45,082 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,000 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,099 | $16,784 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $32,925 | $13,766 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $32,772 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $32,658 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $31,852 | $9,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Houston Community College graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $13,921, which equals about 35% of their first-year earnings of $34,320. Monthly loan payments of $148 consume roughly 5% of a typical graduate's income, making the debt burden quite manageable compared to four-year universities. With an 89% employment rate, most graduates find work quickly in Houston's large job market, often in healthcare support, business services, and skilled trades. Earnings grow to $39,254 within ten years, nearly triple the initial investment in tuition. For students seeking affordable career training without crushing debt, this represents a strong return on investment.