About South Texas College
The financial picture here is remarkably student-friendly. Students pay an average net price of just $1,291 after aid, with the lowest-income families paying only $895 per year. Graduates earn a median of $36,788 ten years after starting, making this one of the strongest return-on-investment scenarios in Texas higher education. Only 35.93% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many families can afford the low sticker prices without borrowing.
The student body reflects the Rio Grande Valley's demographics, with 94.85% of students identifying as Hispanic and 99.87% coming from Texas. Women make up 57% of enrollment. The 27.60% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students attend part-time while working. With an 88.8% employment rate, graduates find work readily in the regional economy.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 57.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.6%
- Retention Rate
- 61.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,788
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,898 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $43,922 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $37,424 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,772 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $31,926 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $29,902 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $27,995 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,822 |
Campus Life
With 99.87% of students living in-state and no campus housing, this feels more like an extended high school than a traditional college experience. Students commute from across the valley to the main campus, often juggling work and family responsibilities alongside classes. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common. Weekends typically involve family gatherings, trips across the border to Reynosa, or heading to South Padre Island beaches an hour away. Many students work part-time jobs while attending, contributing to the practical, career-focused atmosphere. The campus serves as a launching pad for students seeking affordable education before transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce directly.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1993
Campus Safety (2023)
9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 49°–70°F
- July Avg
- 76°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.0%
- Women
- 57.0%
- White
- 2.4%
- Black
- 0.6%
- Hispanic
- 94.9%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.9%
Location
- Address
- McAllen, Texas 78501
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,788
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,647
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,300
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at South Texas College?
As a community college, South Texas College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves over 16,131 students primarily from the Rio Grande Valley region. Nearly 100% of students are from Texas, reflecting its mission as a local community resource.
How much does South Texas College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of just $1,291 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in Texas. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to only $895 per year. In-state tuition is set at $4,920, though most students receive substantial aid to reduce their actual costs.
What is the student-faculty ratio at South Texas College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 22:1, which is typical for community colleges focused on serving large numbers of local students. The college emphasizes dual enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credit. Academic programs center on workforce development and transfer preparation for four-year universities.
What are the graduation rates at South Texas College?
The six-year graduation rate is 27.6%, while the four-year rate reaches 26.8%. These figures reflect the college's role as a stepping stone institution where many students transfer before completing degrees. The retention rate of 61.1% shows that students often continue their education, though not always at the same institution.
Where is South Texas College located and what is campus life like?
The college operates in McAllen, a mid-sized city in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border. With 57% female and 43% male students, the campus serves a predominantly Hispanic population at 94.85%. The urban setting provides access to internships and jobs in healthcare, education, and cross-border commerce.
Does South Texas College serve a diverse student population?
The student body is 94.85% Hispanic, making it one of the most ethnically concentrated colleges in the United States. This reflects the demographics of the Rio Grande Valley, where the college serves as a crucial educational bridge for first-generation college students. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need in the community.
