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 costs almost nothing to attend. At $1,291 a year in net price, you can finish a bachelor's degree here for less than the price of a single semester at most four-year schools. That low cost is the whole financial case for this place, because the earnings side is weak. Ten years out, the median graduate makes $36,788 a year, which is below what many people earn without any degree at all.
The program numbers explain why. Computer and Information Sciences, the top-paying bachelor's degree here, brings in $34,704 a year. Business Administration pays $31,926, and Health and Medical Administrative Services lands at $27,522. None of these clear $35,000, and all three sit below the school's overall median. The tech degree that usually anchors strong earnings elsewhere does not do that job here, likely because of the McAllen-area labor market, where wages run low across the board.
The real risk at this school is finishing. Only 27.6% of students graduate, and 39% of freshmen don't come back for a second year. If you drop out, you leave with no degree and whatever loans you took, and the low tuition won't matter. The cheap price only pays off if you actually walk across the stage.
The net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $895 a year. even over $110,000, you pay just $5,020. There is no income tier where this school becomes expensive.
This is a good fit if you live near McAllen, want to keep debt at nearly zero, and plan to work in the region afterward. Look elsewhere if you need a degree that pays $50,000-plus, since no program here reaches that, and the low graduation rate makes finishing a real gamble.
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.