At $26,782/yr net price, Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio graduates earn $27,035/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,782 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $107,128 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,035/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,965/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.9% |
| 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 | $26,572/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,131/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,038/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,671/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,619/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,173 | $8,309 |
The Risk Factor
58.9% of students at Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio 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-San Antonio delivers poor financial returns that rarely justify the investment. With median post-graduation earnings of $27,035 against an annual net price of $26,782, you're essentially paying a full year's future salary for each year of education.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Health and Medical Administrative Services graduates earn just $20,807 annually while carrying $9,500 in debt. Accounting graduates fare slightly better at $19,422 but still face $8,507 in debt for work that often requires only high school education elsewhere. Cosmetology students get the worst deal, earning $13,173 annually after accumulating $8,309 in debt for skills available through much cheaper apprenticeships.
The 58.9% graduation rate means four in ten students leave with debt but no credential. Even those who complete programs face a challenging reality: most career paths offered here provide wages barely above minimum wage in San Antonio's economy.
You should consider this school only if you need the structured environment and career services that justify premium pricing, and only for programs leading to licensed professions where credentials matter. Students seeking medical assisting or accounting skills can find better value through community college programs that cost half as much.
With 72% of students receiving financial aid, the school clearly serves a population that struggles with college costs. The relatively low median debt of $8,708 suggests manageable loan burdens, but the earning potential simply doesn't support even this modest debt load for most graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio worth the cost?
With graduates earning $27,035 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $26,782 per year, the return on investment is minimal. Most graduates will struggle to justify the cost based on earning potential alone.
What are the highest paying programs at Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio?
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads at $20,807 annually, followed by Accounting at $19,422. Even the top programs produce relatively low salaries compared to the school's annual cost.
How much debt do Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio graduates have?
The median debt is $8,708, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with low graduate salaries, even this modest debt burden may be difficult to repay quickly.
What is the graduation rate at Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio?
The graduation rate is 58.9%, meaning more than 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This dropout rate adds risk to an already questionable financial investment.