About Southern Technical College
Southern Technical College focuses on getting its 532 students job-ready through hands-on technical training in healthcare, business, and trades. This for-profit institution operates on a quarter system in Fort Myers, allowing students to complete programs faster than traditional semester schools. The college emphasizes practical skills over academic theory, with programs designed around employer needs in Southwest Florida's growing economy.
Students face significant financial challenges despite the career focus. The average net price hits $24,026 annually, while graduates earn a median of $36,155 ten years after starting. With typical monthly loan payments of $119, the debt burden feels manageable at $11,250 median debt. However, only 27.1% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate reaches 93.2%, but earnings lag behind the financial investment for many graduates.
Nearly 70% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class student body seeking career advancement. Women make up 55% of enrollment, with half the students identifying as white and 28% as Black. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means limited individual attention. All students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community but potentially limiting networking opportunities beyond the state.
Students face significant financial challenges despite the career focus. The average net price hits $24,026 annually, while graduates earn a median of $36,155 ten years after starting. With typical monthly loan payments of $119, the debt burden feels manageable at $11,250 median debt. However, only 27.1% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate reaches 93.2%, but earnings lag behind the financial investment for many graduates.
Nearly 70% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the working-class student body seeking career advancement. Women make up 55% of enrollment, with half the students identifying as white and 28% as Black. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means limited individual attention. All students come from Florida, creating a tight-knit community but potentially limiting networking opportunities beyond the state.
Academics & Faculty
Southern Technical College focuses on career-ready technical training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The school operates on a quarter system that accelerates degree completion for working adults. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more individualized attention than at large community colleges. The 49.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing school with jobs and family responsibilities. Healthcare programs like medical assisting and pharmacy technology anchor the curriculum alongside business administration tracks. The college targets students seeking immediate job skills rather than transfer preparation. Most graduates enter the workforce directly, with 93.2% finding employment after completing their programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,155
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Career)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $36,852 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,206 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $32,711 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $28,598 |
Campus Life
This for-profit technical college serves 532 students in Fort Myers, about 30 minutes from the Gulf Coast beaches. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this Southwest Florida location where winter temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees. The campus operates on a quarter system, keeping students moving quickly through career-focused programs.
With 100% in-state enrollment, you'll be surrounded by fellow Floridians pursuing hands-on training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name. Nearly 70% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the working-class student body that often juggles jobs with coursework. The quarter system creates an accelerated pace that suits students eager to enter the workforce quickly.
Weekend life revolves around Fort Myers' affordable entertainment options and nearby beaches rather than traditional college activities. Many students work part-time jobs while attending classes. The 93.2% employment rate suggests most graduates transition directly into careers rather than continuing their education elsewhere.
With 100% in-state enrollment, you'll be surrounded by fellow Floridians pursuing hands-on training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name. Nearly 70% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the working-class student body that often juggles jobs with coursework. The quarter system creates an accelerated pace that suits students eager to enter the workforce quickly.
Weekend life revolves around Fort Myers' affordable entertainment options and nearby beaches rather than traditional college activities. Many students work part-time jobs while attending classes. The 93.2% employment rate suggests most graduates transition directly into careers rather than continuing their education elsewhere.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Quarter
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 53°–74°F
- July Avg
- 74°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Students at Southern Technical College reflect the working-class communities of Southwest Florida. Nearly 70% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves students from lower-income backgrounds seeking career advancement. The student body is 55% women, likely drawn to the college's strong healthcare programs including nursing and medical assisting. With 28% Black students and 13% Hispanic students, the demographics mirror Fort Myers' diverse population. All students come from Florida, indicating Southern Technical has built a solid local reputation for job placement. The quarter system attracts adult learners who need flexible scheduling around work obligations.
- Men
- 44.9%
- Women
- 55.1%
- White
- 50.0%
- Black
- 28.2%
- Hispanic
- 13.0%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 69.9%
Location
Fort Myers sits in southwest Florida, about 120 miles southeast of Tampa and 150 miles northwest of Miami. The city serves as the gateway to Florida's Gulf Coast, known for its white sand beaches and year-round warm weather. Downtown Fort Myers features a revitalized arts district along the Caloosahatchee River, while nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands draw tourists for their shell-covered beaches. The metro area has grown to over 770,000 residents, making it one of Florida's fastest-growing regions. The economy relies heavily on tourism, healthcare, and retirement communities. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Southern Technical College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fort Myers, Florida 33907-1108
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,155
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $41,843
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 27.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $119/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Southern Technical College?
Southern Technical College enrolls 532 students with a straightforward admission process focused on career readiness rather than traditional academic metrics. The college emphasizes hands-on technical training in healthcare, business, and trades rather than competitive admissions standards.
How much does Southern Technical College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $24,026 annually, though 69.90% of students receive financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $22,790 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $27,849.
What academic programs is Southern Technical College known for?
The college operates on a quarter system with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, focusing on career-oriented technical programs. Students concentrate on practical skills in healthcare, business, and trade fields designed for immediate workforce entry.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Southern Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 93.2% employment rate, though the 6-year graduation rate is 49.70%. Median earnings reach $36,155 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training rather than traditional four-year degree outcomes.
Where is Southern Technical College located and what is the campus like?
The Fort Myers campus serves a small city setting with 100% of the 532 students coming from Florida. The student body is 55.08% women and diverse, with 50% White, 28.20% Black, and 12.97% Hispanic students.
Does Southern Technical College offer good value for student loan borrowers?
Students graduate with a median debt of $11,250, resulting in monthly payments around $119. However, the loan repayment rate is only 27.10%, suggesting many graduates struggle to repay loans despite the relatively modest debt load.
