Southern Careers Institute-Pharr: 629 Students

629Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$27,035Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Southern Careers Institute-Pharr

Southern Careers Institute-Pharr trains students for immediate entry into healthcare, technology, and skilled trades careers. The 629 students focus on hands-on programs designed to get them working quickly rather than pursuing traditional academic degrees. This for-profit career college operates in the small city setting of Pharr, serving students who want practical skills over theory.

Students pay an average of $21,588 after financial aid, with 76% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $27,035 ten years after starting, which means the education pays for itself over time. Most students graduate with $8,708 in debt and monthly loan payments of $92. The 90% employment rate shows employers value the school's training, though only 18% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.

The student body reflects the Rio Grande Valley's demographics, with 75% Hispanic enrollment and nearly all students from Texas. Women make up 56% of enrollment, typical for career programs heavy in healthcare fields. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than at smaller schools. About 55% of students complete their programs within six years, suggesting the demanding pace isn't for everyone.

Academics & Faculty

Southern Careers Institute-Pharr focuses entirely on career-ready training programs in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The school serves a predominantly Hispanic student population, with 75% of students identifying as Hispanic in this border community. With a student-faculty ratio of 25:1, students work in larger groups typical of hands-on technical training. The 55% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face while balancing education with employment needs. Programs emphasize immediate job placement rather than academic theory. An impressive 90% employment rate shows the school's success in connecting graduates to local employers. Students can expect practical, industry-focused coursework designed to build specific technical skills for immediate career entry.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 65.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $27,035

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
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's Pharr campus sits in the Rio Grande Valley, just minutes from the Mexican border and about 250 miles south of San Antonio. The small city setting means you'll know your way around quickly, and with 99.51% of students coming from Texas, most are already familiar with the area's intense summer heat and mild winters. Pack sunscreen, not sweaters.

With 629 students and a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, expect to see familiar faces in the hallways of this career-focused campus. The school doesn't offer dormitories, so students commute from nearby communities or live with family. Hispanic students make up 75.20% of enrollment, reflecting the local population. Weekend life revolves around family time and part-time jobs rather than campus events, as most students are focused on completing their healthcare, technology, or skilled trades programs quickly. The atmosphere feels more like a professional training center than a traditional college, with students often juggling classes with work responsibilities. Conversations tend to center on upcoming certification exams and job prospects rather than campus traditions.

Setting: City-Small

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 49°–71°F
July Avg: 76°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: 18.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

This for-profit career college draws heavily from the local Rio Grande Valley, with nearly all students coming from Texas. The student body is overwhelmingly Hispanic, reflecting the border region's demographics and the school's role serving this community. More women than men enroll, likely drawn to healthcare programs that dominate career-focused curricula. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking practical job training. The composition mirrors a regional institution focused on providing accessible vocational education to first-generation college students in South Texas.

Men: 44.2%
Women: 55.8%
White: 22.4%
Black: 1.4%
Hispanic: 75.2%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 99.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 76.1%

Location

Southern Careers Institute-Pharr sits in Pharr, Texas, just 10 miles from the Mexican border in the Rio Grande Valley. The campus is located about 250 miles south of San Antonio in one of the fastest-growing regions of Texas. This area serves as a major center for international trade and logistics due to its proximity to Mexico. The Rio Grande Valley has a strong Hispanic cultural influence, which aligns with the school's demographics where 75.20% of students are Hispanic. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 99.51% being in-state residents. The region offers opportunities in healthcare, border trade, and agricultural industries. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southern Careers Institute-Pharr with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pharr, Texas 78577

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-Pharr?

The school maintains open enrollment for most career training programs, serving 629 students focused on entering the workforce quickly. Nearly all students are from Texas (99.51%), with the majority being Hispanic (75.20%) students seeking practical skills training.

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

Students pay an average net price of $21,588 annually, with 76.08% receiving financial aid. The typical graduate leaves with $8,708 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $92, making it more affordable than many four-year programs.

What programs is Southern Careers Institute-Pharr known for?

The college specializes in career-focused training for healthcare, technology, and skilled trades with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio. Programs are designed for rapid entry into the workforce rather than academic theory.

What job prospects do Southern Careers Institute-Pharr graduates have?

The school boasts a 90% employment rate for graduates, though median earnings reach $27,035 ten years after graduation. Students typically earn $23,020 in their first year after completing programs.

Where is Southern Careers Institute-Pharr located?

The campus sits in Pharr, Texas, a small border city in the Rio Grande Valley. This location serves the local Hispanic community, with 75.20% of the 629 students identifying as Hispanic.

Is Southern Careers Institute-Pharr worth the investment?

The 54.70% six-year graduation rate is modest, but the low debt load of $8,708 reduces financial risk. However, the 18.08% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle to earn enough to pay back loans promptly.