Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen: 437 Students

437Students

60%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$27,035Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen

Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen focuses entirely on job training, preparing its 437 students for specific careers rather than broad academic study. This is a hands-on school where you learn skills that employers want, with programs designed to get you working quickly. The student-faculty ratio sits at 25:1, which means classes are larger than at most community colleges but still allow for practical instruction.

The money picture tells a complex story. Students pay about $23,167 per year after financial aid, and 75% receive Pell Grants, showing this serves working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $27,035 ten years after starting, but typical monthly loan payments are just $92 because median debt is only $8,708. The employment rate hits 90%, meaning almost everyone finds work, but the loan repayment rate is concerning at just 18%. This suggests many graduates struggle to pay back even small loans.

The school draws entirely from Texas, with 59% Hispanic students and 58% men. This reflects the Rio Grande Valley's demographics and the types of technical jobs that attract more male students. The 60% graduation rate is solid for a career training program, where some students leave early once they land jobs or find the coursework too demanding.

Academics & Faculty

Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen focuses entirely on career training programs that prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The school specializes in hands-on technical education in fields like medical assisting, HVAC, automotive technology, and business administration. With a student-faculty ratio of 25:1, classes are larger than typical community colleges, but the programs are designed to move quickly through practical skills rather than theory. The 60% graduation rate reflects the challenge many working adults face balancing school with jobs and family responsibilities. Students here aren't looking for a traditional college experience but want specific job skills they can use right after completing their programs.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $27,035

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$27,203
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$24,201
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$20,807
Accounting and Related Services.	Certificate	$19,422
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$18,838
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Certificate	$15,640

View all 6 programs →

Campus Life

Southern Careers Institute sits in Harlingen, a city of about 65,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley, just 30 miles from the Mexican border and an hour from South Padre Island. With 437 students and a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, this is a small, focused campus where everyone gets to know each other quickly. The weather stays warm year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees, so you'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat.

Since 100% of students come from Texas and this is a career training school, most students commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus. The typical student here is older than traditional college age, often working adults looking to change careers or recent high school graduates wanting hands-on training. With 58.58% Hispanic enrollment, the campus reflects the local community's culture. Students spend weekends working part-time jobs or with family rather than traditional college parties. The 90% employment rate shows most graduates find work quickly, which is the main reason students choose this practical, no-nonsense approach to education.

Setting: City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 49°–70°F
July Avg: 75°–95°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Southern Careers Institute draws students from across the Rio Grande Valley who need job training fast. With 58% Hispanic enrollment and 100% Texas residents, the school serves the local community where many families are first-generation college students. The 75% Pell Grant rate shows most students come from working-class backgrounds and see career training as their path to better jobs. The slight male majority reflects the popularity of programs like automotive technology and HVAC, though the school also trains medical assistants and other healthcare workers that attract women.

Men: 57.9%
Women: 42.1%
White: 38.0%
Black: 1.8%
Hispanic: 58.6%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 74.9%

Location

Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen sits in Harlingen, Texas, a small city of about 65,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border. The campus is roughly 25 miles from Brownsville and about 350 miles south of Houston. This area is known for its warm climate year-round and strong Hispanic culture, with 58.58% of the school's students being Hispanic. The Rio Grande Valley is primarily agricultural and has a lower cost of living than most Texas cities. All students at the school are from Texas (100% in-state enrollment), reflecting its focus on serving the local community's career training needs. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen with similar schools in the region.

Address: Harlingen, Texas 78550

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $27,035
Median Earnings (5 years): $27,240
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $20,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 18.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $92/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,708

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?

With 437 students enrolled, Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen focuses on career training rather than traditional academic admissions. The school serves a predominantly Hispanic student body at 58.58% and draws exclusively from Texas with 100% in-state enrollment.

How much does Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,167 annually, with costs varying based on family income from $22,832 for lowest-income families to $28,245 for highest earners. Nearly 75% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's focus on serving working-class families in the Rio Grande Valley.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?

The school maintains a 25:1 student-faculty ratio across its career-focused programs. As a for-profit career training institute, classes emphasize hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, business, and skilled trades.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?

Graduates achieve a 90% employment rate, though median earnings start at $23,020 in the first year after completion. The 60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face in balancing education with family and job responsibilities.

Where is Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen located and what is the campus like?

The campus sits in Harlingen, a small city near the Texas-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley. With 57.89% male enrollment, the school attracts many students seeking technical and healthcare careers in this economically developing region.

How manageable is student debt at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?

Graduates carry a median debt of just $8,708 with monthly payments averaging $92, making it more affordable than many career schools. However, the 18.08% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle to pay back even these modest amounts given the region's economic challenges.