South Hills School of Business & Technology

97.9%Acceptance

$19,208Tuition

241Students

61%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,539Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About South Hills School of Business & Technology

South Hills School of Business & Technology trains students for immediate entry into the workforce through hands-on technical programs. The small career college enrolls just 241 students in State College, creating an intimate learning environment. Nearly all accepted applicants get in, with a 97.87% acceptance rate reflecting the school's open-door mission to serve working-class students.

Women make up 68.46% of the student body, drawn particularly to the school's healthcare and business programs. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in specialized coursework. Students pay an average net price of $25,192 after financial aid, with 48.16% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates typically leave with $16,000 in debt and median monthly loan payments of $170. That investment pays off relatively quickly, with graduates earning a median of $35,539 ten years after starting. The school's career focus shows in its outcomes, with 96.1% of graduates finding employment.

The quarter system keeps students moving through programs efficiently, though only 60.50% complete their degrees within six years. All students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community of locals training for regional job markets. The school operates as a for-profit institution focused on job placement over traditional college experiences.

Academics & Faculty

South Hills focuses exclusively on career-ready programs in business and technology fields. The school operates on a quarter system that gets students into the workforce quickly. With an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive intensive hands-on training in small classes. The 60.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in completing technical programs. South Hills specializes in practical fields like medical assisting, computer networking, and business administration. Students spend most of their time in labs and simulated work environments rather than traditional lecture halls. The curriculum emphasizes job skills over theory, preparing graduates for immediate employment in Pennsylvania's growing healthcare and technology sectors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,539

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$52,107
Computer Science.	Associate	$38,289
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$31,314
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$28,236
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$26,353
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$23,182
Marketing.	Associate	$23,182
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$17,624

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Students at this technical college experience a tight-knit campus environment with just 241 enrolled students and an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. State College sits in central Pennsylvania's mountains, about two hours from both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for snowy January walks between buildings. The quarter system keeps coursework moving quickly through hands-on labs and career-focused training.

With 68% of students being women, the campus challenges traditional tech school demographics. All students come from Pennsylvania, creating a local community feel where classmates often know each other from nearby towns. The small enrollment means weekend social life revolves around State College's college town atmosphere rather than campus events. Students frequently head to Penn State's nearby campus or downtown State College for dining and entertainment. The 96% employment rate reflects the school's practical focus on getting graduates into jobs quickly rather than building a traditional college social experience.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–34°F
July Avg: 62°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.6"
Annual Snowfall: 45.6"

Student Demographics

Women make up more than two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in healthcare and business administration fields that traditionally attract female students. The school serves primarily working-class Pennsylvania families, with nearly half of students qualifying for Pell Grants. All 241 students come from within the state, showing South Hills has built its reputation as a local career training destination rather than seeking national recognition. The small, tight-knit community focuses on practical job skills for students who want to enter the workforce quickly after graduation.

Men: 31.5%
Women: 68.5%
White: 93.0%
Black: 0.8%
Hispanic: 5.4%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 48.2%

Location

State College sits in central Pennsylvania about 140 miles from both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This classic college town revolves around Penn State University, creating a active student atmosphere that South Hills's 241 students experience alongside thousands of other college-age residents. The area offers typical college town amenities like affordable restaurants, entertainment venues, and student-friendly housing options. Rolling hills and farmland surround the community, providing a small-city feel with outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. The quarter system calendar allows students to complete programs efficiently in this academic-focused environment. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare South Hills School of Business & Technology with similar schools in the region.

Address: State College, Pennsylvania 16801-4516

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,539
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,950
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $170/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at South Hills School of Business & Technology?

South Hills School of Business & Technology accepts 97.87% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for students seeking career-focused training. This open-access approach aligns with the school's mission to provide practical business and technology education to local students in State College.

How much does South Hills School of Business & Technology cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $25,192 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $20,315, while those from higher-income families pay over $31,000, reflecting the school's tuition-driven model as a private career college.

What is the student-faculty ratio at South Hills School of Business & Technology?

The school maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small class settings. This intimate learning environment supports the hands-on, career-focused programs that South Hills is known for in business and technology fields.

Does South Hills School of Business & Technology have good job placement rates?

Graduates achieve a 96.1% employment rate, demonstrating the school's strong focus on career preparation. However, median earnings after 10 years are $35,539, reflecting the technical and business support roles that graduates typically enter in the local job market.

Where do students at South Hills School of Business & Technology come from?

All enrolled students are Pennsylvania residents, with the school serving exclusively local students in the State College area. The student body of 241 is 68.46% female and 92.95% white, typical of smaller career colleges in central Pennsylvania.

How manageable is student debt at South Hills School of Business & Technology?

Graduates carry a median debt load of $16,000, which translates to monthly payments of $170. While 74.26% of students take federal loans, the relatively low debt burden reflects the school's two-year format and focus on getting students into the workforce quickly.