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$7,192Tuition
9,153Students
38%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,916Earnings
Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College trains students for high-demand jobs in manufacturing, aerospace, and energy sectors across Texas. The college enrolls 9,153 students on its Waco campus and specializes in hands-on technical education that connects directly to employer needs. Programs focus on welding, aviation maintenance, computer networking, and industrial technology.

Students pay an average net price of $10,280 annually, making technical training accessible to working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $38,916 ten years after completing their programs. Monthly loan payments average just $101, and median debt sits at $9,500. The college serves students from families earning $30,000 to $48,000 with a net price of $8,885. This represents solid value for career-focused education that leads directly to employment.

The student body reflects Texas demographics, with 53.76% Hispanic students and 32.43% white students. Men make up 71.01% of enrollment, typical for technical fields. With a 93.6% employment rate, graduates find work quickly after completing their programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized instruction in labs and workshops. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves first-generation and lower-income students seeking career advancement through technical skills.

Academics & Faculty

Texas State Technical College specializes in hands-on technical education designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. The school offers career-focused programs in fields like aviation maintenance, welding, automotive technology, and healthcare support. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with instructors who often bring real industry experience to the classroom. The 37.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face, as 71% of enrollees are male and many balance jobs with coursework. Programs emphasize practical skills over theory, with state-of-the-art labs and equipment that mirror actual workplace conditions. The curriculum aligns directly with Texas employer needs, explaining why 93.6% of graduates find employment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
94.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
37.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,916

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Associate $81,333
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Certificate $73,737
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $64,150
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $57,860
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $50,439
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $49,621
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Certificate $48,041
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $46,087
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $45,026
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. Associate $42,682

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

Waco sits 100 miles south of Dallas, placing you in the heart of Texas with hot summers that demand serious air conditioning and mild winters where a light jacket suffices. About 20% of the 9,153 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy environment where most students drive in for classes and labs. The 71% male student body reflects the technical focus, with welding, automotive, and aviation programs drawing students who prefer hands-on learning over lecture halls.

Campus life revolves around the extensive shop floors and labs rather than traditional college activities. Students spend weekends working on personal projects in the shops or heading home across Texas, since 84% come from in-state. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and can spot technique problems quickly. Waco offers bass fishing on the Brazos River and proximity to the Magnolia Market, but most social connections happen through program cohorts. The 93.6% employment rate speaks to the school's industry connections, and students often network through internships and job placements rather than campus organizations.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
1,870 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 3 3 0 0
Domestic Violence 3 3 0 0
Fondling 2 2 0 0
Arson 1 1 0 0
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Rape 1 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
35°–58°F
July Avg
75°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
37.5"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Texas State draws mostly local students, with 84% coming from within Texas. The student body is majority Hispanic at 54%, reflecting the college's commitment to serving the diverse Central Texas community. Men outnumber women nearly three to one, which aligns with the school's focus on technical fields like automotive technology, welding, and manufacturing that have traditionally attracted more male students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable workforce training to working-class Texans seeking career advancement.
Men
71.0%
Women
29.0%
White
32.4%
Black
6.2%
Hispanic
53.8%
Asian
0.9%
In-State Students
84.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
45.4%

Location

Texas State Technical College sits in Waco, a mid-sized city 90 miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth. The campus serves 9,153 students in the heart of Central Texas, where rolling hills meet prairie landscapes. Waco blends college town energy with industrial heritage, anchored by the Brazos River and Baylor University's presence downtown. The city offers affordable living with median rent well below state averages. Students find internship opportunities at local manufacturing plants and technology companies that recruit heavily from TSTC's specialized programs. The location provides easy access to Austin's tech corridor just 100 miles south and Houston's energy sector 165 miles southeast. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Texas State Technical College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Waco, Texas 76705
Connally Technology Center TSTC Waco
Connally Technology Center TSTC Waco
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus
Texas State Technical College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,916
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,908
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,800
Loan Repayment Rate
34.6%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How selective is Texas State Technical College for admissions?

Texas State Technical College operates with an open enrollment policy typical of community and technical colleges. The school focuses on workforce development and technical training rather than selective admissions. Most students who meet basic requirements can enroll in their chosen program.

How much does Texas State Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,280 annually after financial aid is applied. Low-income students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,281 net. The school keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $7,192 and typical monthly loan payments of only $101.

What academic programs is Texas State Technical College known for?

The college specializes in technical and vocational training programs designed for Texas workforce development. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio in hands-on programs. The school emphasizes practical skills training over traditional academic coursework.

What employment outcomes do Texas State Technical College graduates achieve?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.6% employment rate after completing their programs. The median earnings reach $38,916 within 10 years of graduation. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $9,500 median, making their career investment worthwhile.

Where do most Texas State Technical College students live?

The majority of the 9,153 students commute from the local Waco area and surrounding Texas communities. On-campus housing accommodates 1,870 students at $9,435 annually for room and board. About 84% of students are Texas residents, reflecting the college's mission to serve the state's workforce needs.

What is the student demographic makeup at Texas State Technical College?

The student body is 71% male, reflecting the technical and industrial focus of many programs. Hispanic students make up the largest group at 54%, followed by white students at 32%. This diversity mirrors the changing demographics of the Texas workforce the college serves.