Mental Health Services at Texas State Technical College

Waco, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

serving 9,153 students in Waco, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,779 place Texas State Technical College below the $36,448 national median for Mental Health Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 26.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mental Health Services programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mental Health Services's career paths, with 30% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $29,779 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #57 of 61 Mental Health Services programs, Texas State Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $29,779 to $36,589 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Mental Health Services offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

51 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
47
Low End
51
Score
52
High End
Earnings $29,779/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (70% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (200,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$380K
5.3% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
26.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
17 of 17
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$14,384
Out-of-state: $23,684
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,589
23% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mental Health Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Genetic counselors $98,910 +9.3% 50%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $95,830 +11.2% 63%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Genetic counselors
$98,910
+9.3% growth 50% AI-proof
Clinical and counseling psychologists
$95,830
+11.2% growth 63% AI-proof

View all 17 career paths with full salary data →

Mental Health Services Career Guide

Explore what Mental Health Services graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 61 programs nationwide.

Read the full Mental Health Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mental Health Services Overview

Mental Health Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Texas State Technical College's Mental Health Services program score?
This program scores 51/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mental Health Services programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Why are Mental Health Services earnings lower at Texas State Technical College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Texas State Technical College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Mental Health Services program at Texas State Technical College?
If Texas State Technical College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Mental Health Services. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Mental Health Services graduates?
The very large job market (200,600 annual openings) works in favor of Mental Health Services graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →