At $23,167/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,167 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,668 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.0% |
| 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 | $22,832/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,830/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,050/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,245/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $27,203 | $9,500 |
| 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
60.0% of students at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen delivers poor financial returns that will likely strain your budget for years. With median post-graduation earnings of just $27,035 annually against a net price of $23,167 per year, you're paying nearly as much for one year of school as you'll earn in your first year after graduation.
Environmental Control Technologies offers the best earning potential at $27,203, but even this top program barely exceeds the overall median. Precision Metal Working graduates earn $24,201 with lower debt loads of $7,125, making it the most sensible financial choice if you're committed to this school. Health and Medical Administrative Services, Accounting, and Allied Health programs all lead to earnings below $21,000 while carrying debt burdens near $9,500.
The 60% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. At $8,708 median debt, graduates face monthly payments that consume a significant portion of their modest salaries in South Texas's lower-wage economy.
This school might work if you're seeking specific trade skills in environmental or precision metalworking and can minimize borrowing. However, most prospective students would find better returns at community colleges offering similar programs at lower costs, or by pursuing four-year degrees that command higher regional salaries. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and substantial dropout risk makes Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen a financially risky choice for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,035 ten years after enrollment and annual costs of $23,167, the financial return is minimal. The school's programs lead to modest-paying jobs that barely exceed what you'll pay for the education.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
Environmental Control Technologies offers the highest earnings at $27,203 annually, followed by Precision Metal Working at $24,201. Even the top programs provide relatively low salaries compared to the school's cost.
How much debt do Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen students graduate with?
The median debt is $8,708, which is relatively low for career colleges. However, with graduate earnings around $27,000, even this modest debt represents a significant portion of annual income.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Careers Institute-Harlingen?
The graduation rate is 60%, meaning 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion rate, combined with low post-graduation earnings, increases the financial risk for prospective students.