At $16,706/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,706 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,824 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,708 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,391/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,890/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,548/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,908/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,231/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,807 | $9,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $19,422 | $8,507 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $18,838 | $9,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $15,640 | $6,861 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,173 | $8,309 |
The Risk Factor
70.9% of students at Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville delivers weak financial returns that fail to justify its $16,706 annual cost. With median earnings of just $27,035 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches far beyond what makes financial sense for most students.
The earnings data across programs tells a concerning story. Even the highest-paying program, Health and Medical Administrative Services, generates only $20,807 annually while saddling you with $9,500 in debt. Cosmetology students face the worst outcome, earning just $13,173 per year after accumulating $8,309 in debt. These numbers put graduates well below living wages in most markets.
The school's 71% graduation rate offers some stability, but this becomes meaningless when completers earn salaries that barely cover basic expenses. You're paying premium prices for programs that lead to entry-level positions you could often access through on-the-job training or community college alternatives at half the cost.
This school makes financial sense only if you have specific geographic constraints keeping you in Brownsville and need immediate job placement in healthcare support or business administration. However, even then, you should exhaust community college options first. The combination of high costs, low earning potential, and significant debt load creates a financial trap that many graduates struggle to escape.
If you're considering Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville, calculate whether the same programs cost less at regional community colleges. The earning potential simply doesn't support the investment required here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,035 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $16,706 per year, the return on investment is modest. The relatively low median debt of $8,708 helps, but earnings remain below the national average for college graduates.
Which programs at Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville have the best job prospects?
Health and Medical Administrative Services offers the highest earning potential at $20,807, followed by Accounting at $19,422. Cosmetology graduates earn the least at $13,173, making it the riskiest financial choice.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville?
The graduation rate is 70.9%, which is above average for career colleges. However, completing the program doesn't guarantee strong earnings, as most graduates earn less than $21,000 annually.
How much debt do Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $8,708, which is manageable compared to many schools. Even with this relatively low debt load, the modest post-graduation earnings make loan repayment challenging for many graduates.