South Texas College
Out-of-state tuition
$7,620
In-state $5,220
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
27,431
Student-faculty ratio 22:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
10.9%
4-year; 6-year rate 10.9%
Peer median 10.9%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
South Texas College (STC) is a prominent institution located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, USA. Established in 1993, the college has rapidly grown to serve a diverse student population, offering a range of programs that cater to the educational needs of the community. One of the key features of STC is its commitment to accessibility and affordability, making higher education attainable for many students who might otherwise face barriers. The college emphasizes student success through a supportive environment that includes extensive academic resources, counseling services, and financial aid assistance. STC’s mission is encapsulated in its motto: "Empowering Students, Transforming Lives," which reflects its dedication to fostering personal growth and academic achievement.
The college offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training, across multiple disciplines such as health sciences, business, technology, and liberal arts. STC is particularly noted for its strong partnerships with local industries, which enhance student internship and employment opportunities. The campus boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas that promote a vibrant student life. With a focus on community engagement, STC also encourages students to participate in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that enrich their educational experience. As a leader in higher education in the region, South Texas College continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of its students and the community at large.
Analysis of Key Metrics at South Texas College
The data from South Texas College reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student retention, and graduation rates that merit discussion. Over the years, the tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have steadily increased, rising from $3,530 in 2014 to $5,220 in 2024, representing a substantial financial burden for students and their families. Meanwhile, out-of-state students faced a more modest increase, fluctuating between $7,260 in 2014 and $7,500 in 2024. This rising cost of education can have profound implications, potentially impacting enrollment numbers and the diversity of the student body.
Student retention rates have shown a troubling downward trend from 2013 to 2021, plunging from 100% to approximately 55%. Although there was a slight recovery to around 63% in 2023, the overall retention figures indicate challenges in maintaining student enrollment and satisfaction. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including financial stress from rising tuition and potentially inadequate support systems for students.
Graduation rates, particularly the on-time graduation rate, remain alarmingly low, with only about 7.35% of students graduating within the expected timeframe by 2023. Even when considering a 150% graduation timeframe, the rate only reaches approximately 13.24%. These figures raise concerns about the effectiveness of academic programs and the level of support provided to students throughout their educational journey.
In conclusion, South Texas College faces significant challenges with rising tuition costs, fluctuating retention rates, and alarmingly low graduation rates. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for the institution's reputation but also for the future success of its students. Continuous efforts to enhance student support services and financial aid options could help reverse these trends and foster a more positive academic environment.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- In McAllen
- Nearest international airport
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 230 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Ricardo J. Solis (President)
- Phone
- 8554686782
- Address
- 3201 W. Pecan, McAllen, TX 78501
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from South Texas College
The graduation data from South Texas College in 2023 reveals significant trends in various academic fields, particularly highlighting the prominence of certain programs and the participation of international students. Business Administration leads with 282 bachelor's degree graduates, underscoring the enduring demand for business education amidst a competitive job market. This trend aligns with findings from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which indicates a consistent growth in business-related occupations, particularly in management roles.
In the healthcare sector, the Registered Nursing program produced 190 associate degree graduates, reflecting the increasing need for healthcare professionals, especially post-pandemic. The health care administration program also adds to this narrative with 85 bachelor's degree graduates, signifying a growing recognition of the importance of effective management in healthcare settings.
Conversely, several fields such as Physics, Psychology, and various Criminal Justice programs show no graduates at the bachelor's level, indicating either a lack of interest, limited resources, or possibly the need for enhanced program visibility. It raises questions about the reasons behind these trends, particularly in fields that are critical for societal development and safety.
Moreover, the absence of international students in many programs suggests potential barriers to entry or a lack of international recruitment efforts. This is an area for South Texas College to explore, especially given the increasing global mobility of students seeking quality education.
Overall, the data presents a mixed landscape, with strong performance in business and healthcare while highlighting areas needing attention to ensure a well-rounded educational offering that meets the needs of all students.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $27,578 | ||
| General Studies. | $27,578 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $28,311-$29,502 | ||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $34,693 | ||
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | $11,199 | ||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $29,080-$39,628 | ||
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | $29,080-$39,628 | ||
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | $24,957-$37,145 | ||
| Occupational Therapist Assistant. | $24,957-$37,145 | ||
| Pharmacy Technician/Assistant. | $24,957-$37,145 | ||
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $24,957-$37,145 | ||
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $43,098-$65,248 | ||
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $43,098-$65,248 | ||
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. | $43,098-$65,248 | ||
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $43,098-$65,248 | ||
| Pre-Pharmacy Studies. | - | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $75,472 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching. | $20,655 | ||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $20,655 | ||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $20,655 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $35,910-$54,129 | ||
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $35,910-$54,129 | ||
| Fire Science/Fire-fighting. | $44,918 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $24,025-$43,360 | ||
| Computer Science. | - | ||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $27,234 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $25,656 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dance, General. | - | ||
| Graphic Design. | $14,287 | ||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | ||
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration. | - | ||
| Social Work. | $27,540 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | $41,291 | ||
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $30,254-$34,527 | ||
| Diesel Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $30,254-$34,527 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | $39,309-$48,365 | ||
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. | $39,309-$48,365 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Surveying Technology/Surveying. | - | ||
| Computer Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | ||
| Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | $19,808-$20,166 | ||
| Early Childhood and Family Studies. | $19,808-$20,166 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef. | $21,100 | ||
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | $21,100 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General. | $28,844 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, General. | - | ||
| Anthropology, General. | - | ||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Languages and Literatures, General. | - | ||
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation. | $26,435 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General. | $34,391 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
Students
27,431 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 58.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 11,488
- First-year undergraduates 2,459
- Transfers and others 13,484
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (27,431)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at South Texas College in 2023
The student body composition at South Texas College in 2023 reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and gender distributions. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 3,948 students, with a nearly balanced gender ratio—47.5% male and 52.5% female. This slight female majority is a trend observed in many colleges across the United States, where female enrollment has been rising steadily.
In contrast, the undergraduate juniors present a more pronounced gender disparity, with 13,342 students comprising only 40.3% males and 59.7% females. This trend toward a higher female representation may be indicative of broader societal shifts encouraging women to pursue higher education.
The undergraduate transfers, while fewer in number at 556, also exhibit a female majority (61% female), suggesting that women are not only enrolling at higher rates but may also be more persistent in their educational pursuits. The overall enrollment in non-degree-seeking programs is also significant, with 10,048 students, maintaining a similar gender balance (45.1% male and 54.9% female).
Examining the racial and ethnic composition, the data for freshmen shows a diverse mix, although specific numbers and percentages for each subgroup are not fully detailed. The presence of various ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latinx, and others, underscores the college's commitment to inclusivity.
In summary, South Texas College's demographics highlight a growing female presence across various student categories, reflecting national trends in higher education. The institution's diversity in ethnicity adds further value to the educational environment, preparing students for a multicultural society.
Insights on Age Demographics at South Texas College
The age distribution data from South Texas College reveals significant trends in the student population, particularly among undergraduates. The largest segment of students is under 18, comprising approximately 42.6% of the total male students and about 49.2% of total female students. This highlights the college's role as a primary institution for younger students who are likely transitioning from high school to higher education.
As we move into the 18-19 age category, there is a slight decrease in numbers, with undergraduates representing about 22.9% of male and 21.8% of female students. The trend continues with diminishing numbers in the 20-21 age group, which suggests that many students may be completing their undergraduate degrees earlier or transferring to other institutions.
Interestingly, the data shows a notable drop in enrollment for students aged 25 and older, indicating that traditional college-age students dominate the demographic landscape. Specifically, students aged 30-34 represent a mere 3.1% of the total male population and 5.0% of the female population, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where older students might be pursuing degrees at different institutions or through alternative educational paths.
The data reflects the national trend of younger individuals enrolling in colleges, particularly community colleges, as they seek to attain degrees without the burdens of significant student debt. As the workforce continues to evolve, it will be essential for institutions like South Texas College to adapt their offerings to meet the diverse needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing educational landscape.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
17 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at South Texas College
The data regarding international student enrollment at South Texas College reveals a significant fluctuation over the years, particularly in the undergraduate sector. Initially, in 2004, the college had 68 international undergraduate students, which represented only 0.44% of the total undergraduate population. The numbers saw a notable increase in 2011, where international students surged to 870, marking an impressive 3.14% of the total undergraduate enrollment. However, this peak was short-lived as the numbers began to plummet dramatically in the following years. By 2023, the international student count had fallen back to just 2, accounting for a mere 0.01% of the undergraduate population.
This drastic decline raises questions about the factors influencing international student recruitment at the college. The trend may reflect broader national policies affecting international students, changes in global perceptions of studying in the United States, or specific institutional challenges faced by South Texas College.
Moreover, while many institutions across the country have been adapting to the evolving landscape of international education, South Texas College’s data suggests a concerning trend that could impact its diversity and funding. With international students often contributing significantly to tuition revenue, the college may need to re-evaluate its strategies to attract and retain a more diverse student body. Overall, the future of international student enrollment at South Texas College will be crucial for its academic environment and financial health.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$16,258
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $7,620
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,220
- Room and board
- $8,638
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 72% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 56%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$291M
Expenses$243M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Texas-Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg · 7.9 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Trinity UniversitySan Antonio · 224.6 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of Texas-San AntonioSan Antonio · 233.7 mi
U.S. News #227
-
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos · 254.4 mi
U.S. News #288
-
The University of Texas at AustinAustin · 282.6 mi
U.S. News #34
-
Rice UniversityHouston · 297.9 mi
U.S. News #16
-
University of St. Thomas (TX)Houston · 299.3 mi
U.S. News #202
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near South Texas College:
-
The University of Texas at Austin - Ranked 32nd in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Rice University - A prestigious institution ranked 17th, Rice University is known for its rigorous academics and research opportunities, as well as its beautiful campus in Houston.
-
Trinity University - This liberal arts college ranks 59th and is celebrated for its small class sizes and emphasis on undergraduate education.
-
Texas A & M University-College Station - With a ranking of 47, this comprehensive university is recognized for its research programs and strong alumni network.
-
University of Houston - Ranked 133rd, the University of Houston offers a diverse range of programs and is known for its commitment to community engagement.
-
Southern Methodist University - This university, ranked 89th, is well-known for its business and law programs and its vibrant campus in Dallas.
These institutions offer a variety of academic opportunities and contribute to the rich educational landscape of the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at South Texas College: A Decade Overview
The crime statistics at South Texas College over the past decade reveal a notable fluctuation in crime rates, highlighting a general decline in serious offenses. In 2013, the crime rate was relatively higher at 0.36 incidents per 1,000 students, with a total of 11 crimes reported. This figure experienced a significant drop in subsequent years, reaching a low of 0.07 in 2021, which reflects a positive trend toward campus safety.
However, 2022 saw a slight increase in the crime rate to 0.10, with three incidents reported. The latest data from 2023 indicates a return to a higher rate of 0.32, with nine reported crimes. This indicates a potential need for increased safety measures or community engagement to address the rise in crime after an extended period of decline.
When analyzing the types of offenses, gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents are particularly noteworthy. The reduction in these categories over the years can be attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus security policies and awareness programs aimed at reducing substance abuse and violence.
Overall, while the statistics exhibit a temporary increase in crime in recent years, the overall trend indicates that South Texas College has largely improved its safety environment for students. Continued monitoring and proactive measures will be essential to maintain this positive trajectory. For more details on crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.