Skip to main content
$2,646Tuition
3,170Students
33%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$35,563Earnings
Public2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Southwest Texas Junior College

Southwest Texas Junior College has served the ranching communities of South Texas since 1946. The college enrolls 3,170 students in a town-remote setting, focusing heavily on practical career preparation. Students here pursue nursing degrees, law enforcement training, and agricultural programs that connect directly to the region's economy. The student body is 92% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of rural South Texas.

In-state students pay $2,646 in tuition, with an average net price of $7,634 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $35,563 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt loads of just $6,200. The low debt burden makes this an affordable path to career training. Monthly loan payments average only $66, manageable even on entry-level salaries.

The Cowboys compete in NAIA athletics with just 2 varsity sports and 36 total athletes. Nearly all students are from Texas, with 99.3% coming from in-state. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means classes run large, typical for a community college focused on efficient delivery of career programs. Only 256 students can live on campus, so most commute from surrounding rural areas.

Academics & Faculty

Southwest Texas Junior College serves a predominantly Hispanic student body with 92% of its 3,170 students identifying as Latino. The college built its reputation around practical career programs that match regional workforce needs. Nursing remains the flagship program, preparing students for immediate employment in rural healthcare settings. Law enforcement training attracts students seeking careers in border patrol and local police departments. Agricultural programs reflect the area's ranching heritage and economic base. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means large class sizes and limited individual attention. Only 33% of students complete their programs within six years. Students typically earn $35,563 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on mid-level technical careers rather than transfer preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
27:1
Full-Time Faculty
69.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,563

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $62,409
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $55,964
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $41,565
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $36,560
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $30,988
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $27,295
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $26,933
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Certificate $25,194
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $23,803
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,094

View all 30 programs →

Campus Life

This rural Texas campus sits 80 miles west of San Antonio in cattle ranching country. With only 256 housing beds for 3,170 students, just 8% live on campus. Most students commute from surrounding small towns or stay locally during the week. The student body is 92% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the border region.

Uvalde's hot summers reach the high 90s, so air conditioning matters more than winter coats. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges. With 99% of students from Texas, the campus feels deeply rooted in local culture. Weekend activities center around the small town of Uvalde rather than campus events. Students often head to San Antonio for entertainment or stay local for family gatherings.

The Cowboys compete in just two NAIA sports with 36 total athletes. The $6,000 room and board cost reflects the rural setting's lower cost of living. Students here are typically working toward associate degrees or certificates in practical fields before transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
256 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1946

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Statutory Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
38°–64°F
July Avg
72°–96°F
Annual Precipitation
50.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Southwest Texas Junior College draws almost entirely from local communities, with 99% of students coming from in-state. The student body is overwhelmingly Hispanic at 92%, reflecting the demographics of rural South Texas. Women make up 62% of enrollment, likely drawn to the school's popular nursing program. Over one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in the region. This is a place where first-generation college students often start their academic journey close to home.
Men
37.8%
Women
62.2%
White
5.6%
Black
0.4%
Hispanic
92.0%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.6%

Location

Uvalde sits in rural South Texas, 80 miles west of San Antonio. The town reflects the region's deep Hispanic heritage, with 91.99% of Southwest Texas Junior College students identifying as Hispanic. This remote setting shapes campus life for the 3,170 enrolled students. The surrounding area is known for ranching and agriculture, which influences the college's program offerings. Nearly all students (99.30%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The town gained national attention in recent years but remains a quiet agricultural center where students can focus on their studies. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southwest Texas Junior College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Uvalde, Texas 78801-6297
Will C. Miller Library, Uvalde, TX MG
Will C. Miller Library, Uvalde, TX MG

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,563
Median Earnings (5 years)
$38,102
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,200
Loan Repayment Rate
36.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$66/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southwest Texas Junior College?

Southwest Texas Junior College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning students need only a high school diploma or GED to enroll. The college serves 3,170 students with 99.30% coming from in-state, reflecting its mission to educate rural South Texas communities.

How much does Southwest Texas Junior College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,634 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,755. In-state tuition starts at $2,646, making this one of the most affordable college options in Texas for students pursuing two-year degrees.

What programs is Southwest Texas Junior College known for?

The college specializes in nursing, law enforcement, and agriculture programs that serve rural South Texas needs. With a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in career-focused programs designed for the local job market.

What do graduates of Southwest Texas Junior College earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $35,563 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 85.2%. The college's focus on practical career training helps students enter the workforce quickly, though the 33.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face.

Does Southwest Texas Junior College have on-campus housing?

The college offers housing for 256 students at $6,000 per year for room and board. This housing capacity serves a small portion of the 3,170 total enrollment, as most students commute from the surrounding rural communities.

What is the student population like at Southwest Texas Junior College?

The student body is 91.99% Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of South Texas border communities. Women make up 62.18% of enrollment, which is typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs.