At $21,588/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-Pharr graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,588 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,352 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.7% |
| 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 | $21,515/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,205/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,819/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,655/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
54.7% of students at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southern Careers Institute-Pharr delivers weak financial returns that struggle to justify the $21,588 annual cost. With median earnings of just $27,035 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what most career training should require.
Precision Metal Working offers the strongest earnings potential at $24,201 annually with relatively low debt of $7,125, making it the only program that approaches reasonable value. Health and Medical Administrative Services follows at $20,807 but saddles you with $9,500 in debt for work that often pays less than administrative roles requiring no formal training.
The bottom-tier programs present serious financial risks. Business Operations Support graduates earn just $15,640 annually, barely above minimum wage in many Texas markets. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services leaves you with $9,500 in debt for $18,838 in annual earnings, a ratio that makes loan repayment challenging.
The 54.7% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. In the competitive Rio Grande Valley job market, these credentials may not provide the differentiation needed to command higher wages.
This school makes financial sense only if you're targeting the metalworking program and have exhausted lower-cost community college options. The health administration and medical assisting programs available at South Texas College or other regional institutions typically cost less and offer similar job prospects. Most students should look elsewhere for career training that offers better value for their investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-Pharr worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,035 ten years after enrollment and annual costs of $21,588, Southern Careers Institute-Pharr offers minimal return on investment. The low graduation rate of 55% adds significant risk to an already marginal financial outcome.
Which programs at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr have the best job prospects?
Precision Metal Working offers the highest earning potential at $24,201 annually, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $20,807. Business Operations Support has the lowest earnings at $15,640, making it a poor financial choice.
How much student debt do Southern Careers Institute-Pharr graduates typically have?
The median debt of $8,708 is relatively manageable compared to the school's high annual costs. However, with low graduate earnings averaging $27,035, even this modest debt burden represents a significant portion of income.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr?
Only 54.7% of students graduate from Southern Careers Institute-Pharr. This means nearly half of students who enroll never complete their program, making the financial risk substantial for prospective students.