At $24,545/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,545 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.0% |
| 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 | $24,167/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,786/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,159/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,204/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,497/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $24,201 | $7,125 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
62.0% of students at Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify its $24,545 annual cost. With median earnings of just $27,035 ten years after graduation, you'll earn barely more than the school's yearly price tag.
Precision Metal Working offers the strongest financial outcome at $24,201 annually with relatively low debt of $7,125, though even this top program pays less than many entry-level positions requiring no college training. Health and Medical Administrative Services follows at $20,807 with higher debt of $9,500. The remaining programs show concerning returns, with Business Operations Support graduates earning only $15,640 despite borrowing nearly $7,000.
The 62% graduation rate adds significant risk to your investment. Nearly four in ten students leave without completing their programs, typically while still carrying debt. Combined with below-market earnings for graduates who do finish, this creates a high probability of financial loss.
This school makes financial sense only if you need specific vocational training quickly and have limited alternatives in the Corpus Christi area. You should avoid programs in business operations and medical assisting, which deliver particularly poor earnings relative to debt. Even the stronger programs like precision metalworking may not justify the cost compared to apprenticeships or community college alternatives.
With 73% of students receiving financial aid, most attendees rely heavily on federal loans and grants. The relatively low median debt of $8,708 reflects the school's short program lengths, but monthly payments will still strain budgets given the modest post-graduation salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi worth the cost?
With a net price of $24,545 per year and graduates earning only $27,035 annually after 10 years, the financial return is poor. The low earnings barely cover the annual tuition cost, making this a high-risk investment for most students.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi?
Precision Metal Working offers the highest earnings at $24,201 annually, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $20,807. Even the top program pays less than the annual tuition cost of $24,545.
How much debt do Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi graduates have?
The median debt is $8,708, which is relatively low compared to many schools. However, with graduates earning only $27,035 per year, even this modest debt load represents a significant burden relative to income.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi?
The graduation rate is 62%, meaning nearly 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. Combined with low post-graduation earnings, this represents substantial risk for students who may end up with debt but no degree.