About Texas Southmost College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,139 after financial aid, making higher education accessible to working-class border families. The median debt load of $9,000 stays manageable with monthly payments around $95. Graduates earn a median of $41,900 ten years out, though the 27% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. The employment rate hits 87.5%, showing strong job placement in the Rio Grande Valley economy.
The student body splits 56% women to 44% men, with 98% of students staying close to home rather than crossing state lines. Only 54 athletes compete across two varsity sports in NJCAA competition. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but professors understand the challenges facing first-generation college students navigating between two worlds.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 24:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,900
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $81,333 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $66,036 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $55,512 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $49,631 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Engineering Physics. | Bachelor | $45,529 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $44,091 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,185 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $41,894 |
Campus Life
Most students commute to campus rather than live in dorms, creating a quieter weekend atmosphere. The Rio Grande Valley's unique position means many students speak both English and Spanish fluently, switching between languages in hallways and study groups. With 98.34% of students coming from in-state, you'll find deep connections to local communities and families. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but professors understand the challenges facing first-generation college students. Many students work part-time jobs while attending classes, balancing education with family responsibilities. The campus culture revolves around persistence rather than parties, with students supporting each other through two-year programs designed to launch careers or transfer to four-year universities.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1926
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 50°–70°F
- July Avg
- 76°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 26.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.3%
- Women
- 55.8%
- White
- 2.4%
- Black
- 0.1%
- Hispanic
- 93.5%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 98.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.4%
Location
- Address
- Brownsville, Texas 78520
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,900
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,210
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Texas Southmost College?
Texas Southmost College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who need academic support or career training. With 98.34% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves the local Brownsville community along the Texas-Mexico border.
How much does Texas Southmost College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,458 annually, with costs varying by family income from $4,139 for the lowest earners to $11,487 for families making over $110,000. Only 31.38% of students receive federal financial aid, and graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $9,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Texas Southmost College?
The college maintains a 24:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 3,453 students. As a community college focused on workforce development and transfer preparation, class sizes reflect the practical, hands-on learning approach typical of two-year institutions.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Texas Southmost College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 26.80%, which is common for community colleges serving working students and those needing developmental education. Graduates achieve an 87.5% employment rate with median earnings of $41,900 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's role in workforce preparation.
What is the campus culture like at Texas Southmost College?
The student body is 55.75% women and overwhelmingly Hispanic at 93.54%, reflecting the demographics of the Rio Grande Valley. The Scorpions compete in just 2 NJCAA sports with 54 total athletes, creating a campus focused more on academics and career preparation than athletics.
Where is Texas Southmost College and what makes it unique?
Situated in Brownsville at the southernmost tip of Texas on the Mexican border, the college has served this binational community since 1926. The location creates unique opportunities for cross-cultural education and serves students from one of the most Hispanic-concentrated regions in the United States.
