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
The financial return at Southern Careers Institute-Pharr is weak, and the numbers make that clear. You pay over $21,000 a year to attend, but the typical graduate earns around $27,000 a year a full decade after enrolling. That earnings figure sits close to what someone with no postsecondary credential makes in the region, so the degree buys you little separation from where you started.
Every program listed here is a certificate, not a degree, and the top earner is Precision Metal Working. It pays the most while carrying the lowest debt of the health and business tracks, which makes it the best bet on this campus. Health and Medical Administrative Services and Accounting land in the middle. The weakest choice is Business Operations Support, where you leave earning barely more than $15,000 a year. None of these certificates pushes graduates past the roughly $27,000 median, so the ceiling here is low no matter which track you pick.
The debt is modest, under $9,000 for most programs, which is the one bright spot. The real risk is the price you pay upfront. The net price barely moves with income, so a family earning under $30,000 pays nearly as much as one earning far more. Low-income families carry the heaviest burden relative to what they have.
This school is a reasonable fit for you if you want the Precision Metal Working certificate specifically, can finish quickly, and have a job lined up in that trade. If you are weighing the business or medical assisting certificates, a community college in the Rio Grande Valley will likely cost you far less for similar or better pay. With more than half of students finishing but earnings this flat, look hard at the price before you enroll.
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.