Southern Technical College: 1,686 Students

1,686Students

55%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,893Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Southern Technical College

Southern Technical College focuses on career-ready programs that get students into the workforce quickly. This private career college serves 1,686 students in suburban Orlando, specializing in technical fields like automotive technology, HVAC, and medical assisting. The school opened in 2001 with a mission to provide hands-on training for in-demand trades. Students work in small classes with a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, though the emphasis is clearly on practical skills over traditional academics.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $23,130 annually, with costs remaining fairly consistent regardless of family income. Graduates earn a median of $29,893 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt loads of $11,250. The monthly loan payment averages $119, but only 17.90% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans. With 82.25% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school serves a predominantly low-income population seeking career advancement.

The employment rate stands at 93.3%, reflecting the school's job-focused approach. The student body is diverse, with 30.60% Black students, 31.44% Hispanic students, and 29.06% White students. However, the 55.40% six-year graduation rate suggests that completing programs here can be challenging for many students.

Academics & Faculty

Southern Technical College focuses on career-oriented programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The school specializes in technical fields like automotive technology, HVAC, welding, and medical assisting. With a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, students receive more individualized attention than at large community colleges. The 55% graduation rate reflects the challenges many career college students face balancing work and family obligations. As a private career college, programs emphasize hands-on training over theory. Students typically complete certificates or associate degrees in fields with strong local job demand. The 93% employment rate shows the school's focus on job placement, though graduates earn a median of $29,893 ten years after enrollment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 73.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,893

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology.	Associate	$30,891
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Associate	$28,753
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$19,683
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$15,721

View all 16 programs →

Campus Life

Southern Technical College sits in Orlando's suburban sprawl, putting students just minutes from downtown and the theme parks that define the city. The student body of 1,686 reflects Central Florida's diversity, with roughly equal splits between White (29%), Black (31%), and Hispanic (31%) students. Orlando's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not snow boots, as temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees even in winter.

This career-focused college attracts a practical crowd, with 57% men and a student body that's 100% Florida residents. The suburban setting lacks traditional campus housing, so students commute from across the metro area. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay focused on hands-on training rather than lecture halls. Weekends often revolve around Orlando's attractions, from Universal Studios to downtown's nightlife scene. The 93% employment rate suggests students stay busy with internships and part-time work in healthcare, technology, and business fields that dominate the local job market.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Founded: 2001

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 49°–71°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Southern Technical College draws working-class students from across central Florida seeking practical career training. Over 80% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving lower-income families looking for economic mobility through technical education. The student body is remarkably diverse, with Black, Hispanic, and white students each representing roughly one-third of enrollment. Men slightly outnumber women at 57%, likely reflecting the school's focus on automotive, HVAC, and other traditionally male-dominated trades. All students come from within Florida, showing the college's strong regional reputation for hands-on career preparation.

Men: 56.8%
Women: 43.2%
White: 29.1%
Black: 30.6%
Hispanic: 31.4%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 82.3%

Location

Southern Technical College sits in Orlando, a metro area home to over 2.5 million residents in central Florida. The campus operates in one of the fastest-growing regions in the Southeast, where theme parks and tech companies drive a diverse economy. Orlando's job market has expanded by 15% over the past five years, creating opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and information technology sectors that align with the college's career programs. The city offers internships and employment prospects within a 30-minute drive of campus. Students benefit from year-round networking events and job fairs in a region known for tourism and emerging tech startups. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Southern Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Orlando, Florida 32809

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,893
Median Earnings (5 years): $32,557
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 17.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $119/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Southern Technical College?

Southern Technical College maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 1,686 students and focuses on career-ready training in technical fields. As a private career college, it prioritizes hands-on learning over traditional academic selectivity.

How much does Southern Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,130 annually after aid, with 82.25% receiving some form of financial assistance. The median debt upon graduation is relatively modest at $11,250. Monthly loan payments typically run around $119, making the programs accessible for working-class students seeking technical skills.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southern Technical College?

The college maintains a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which is typical for career-focused institutions. Classes emphasize practical training in fields like automotive technology, healthcare, and skilled trades. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce rather than transfer to four-year universities.

What kind of job prospects do Southern Technical College graduates have?

Graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers in the Orlando area. Median earnings reach $29,893 ten years after graduation, with many students entering fields like medical assisting and automotive repair. The college's focus on in-demand trades helps explain these solid employment outcomes.

Where is Southern Technical College's campus located?

The campus sits in suburban Orlando, serving 100% in-state students from across Florida. The large suburban setting provides easy access to internships and jobs in Central Florida's growing economy. Orlando's diverse industries, from tourism to technology, create opportunities for technical graduates.

How diverse is the student body at Southern Technical College?

The student population is diverse, with 30.60% Black students, 31.44% Hispanic students, and 29.06% White students. Men make up 56.82% of enrollment, reflecting the college's emphasis on traditionally male-dominated technical fields. This diversity mirrors Orlando's multicultural community and the changing face of skilled trades.