About Southern Careers Institute-Pharr
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
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
| 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 |
Campus Life
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
- 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
- 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?
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.
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About This Data
Statistics on this page come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and IPEDS (2023–24 data year), with climate normals from NOAA and campus safety figures from Clery Act reports. CampusGuide does not estimate or adjust reported figures. Read our full methodology.