At $1,291/yr net price, South Texas College graduates earn $36,788/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,788/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,291 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $5,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,788/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,788/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.6% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $895/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,488/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $3,261/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,304/yr |
| $110,001+ | $5,020/yr |
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 | $63,898 | |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
27.6% of students at South Texas College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
South Texas College delivers strong value with a net price of just $1,291 annually, making it one of the most affordable pathways to higher education in Texas. The low cost creates a strong financial foundation even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $63,898 annually compared to the school's overall median of $36,788. Fire Protection also pays well at $50,856, capitalizing on regional demand for emergency services personnel. Allied Health programs show mixed results, with some tracks reaching $43,922 while others plateau around $37,424.
The 27.6% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. Your investment remains minimal if you don't finish, but you still lose time and opportunity cost. The 61% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college-level work.
You're an ideal candidate if you're cost-conscious, interested in healthcare fields, or need flexibility while working. The school serves many first-generation college students and working adults in South Texas who cannot afford traditional four-year costs elsewhere.
Avoid South Texas College if you're seeking programs outside healthcare or technical fields, as earning potential drops significantly. Students targeting high-earning business or technology careers will find limited options here.
With only 36% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full sticker price. The extremely low net cost means merit scholarships are rare and unnecessary for most students. Your strategy should focus on program selection and completion rather than cost reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Texas College worth the money?
South Texas College offers strong value with a net price of just $1,291 per year, making it one of the most affordable options in Texas. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at South Texas College?
Nursing programs at South Texas College lead to the highest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $64,000 annually. Fire protection and allied health programs also offer decent returns at $51,000 and $44,000 respectively.
How much debt do South Texas College graduates have?
South Texas College's extremely low net price of $1,291 per year means most students graduate with minimal debt. This low cost structure makes the school financially accessible even if post-graduation earnings are modest.
Do South Texas College graduates earn good salaries?
South Texas College graduates earn $36,788 on average 10 years after enrollment, which is below the national average. The school works best for students pursuing specific healthcare programs or those prioritizing affordability over high earnings.