Students at South Texas College benefit from one of the most affordable four-year degree programs in the country, with net prices that make college accessible to families across all income levels.
The combination of exceptional affordability and earnings beyond expectations creates meaningful value for students seeking accessible pathways to bachelor's degrees.
South Texas College operates as one of the most affordable four-year public institutions in the country, with net prices that rank in the top 2.4% nationally for affordability. Located in McAllen, Texas, this large public college serves a predominantly first-generation student body, with over 60% of students being the first in their families to attend college and about 36% receiving Pell Grants. The institution's defining characteristic is its exceptional accessibility, offering net prices as low as $895 for low-income students and under $5,020 even for higher-income families.
While completion rates present challenges, with a 28% six-year graduation rate, South Texas College demonstrates its commitment to serving students who might not otherwise have access to higher education. The college operates in the "Opportunity Builders" mobility category, indicating strong access combined with developing outcomes infrastructure. For students who do complete their degrees, median earnings reach $36,788 ten years after enrollment, with graduates earning about $4,287 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
As a large public college in South Texas, this institution fills a crucial role in regional higher education access, providing pathways to bachelor's degrees at price points that make college financially feasible for families across income levels.
South Texas College's program portfolio reflects both regional workforce needs and emerging opportunities in the South Texas economy. Business Administration and Management dominates the graduate pipeline with 266 annual graduates earning median salaries of $31,926, creating substantial aggregate economic impact for the region. This program's scale and consistent outcomes make it a cornerstone of the college's value proposition.
Health-related programs show solid regional alignment, with Clinical Research Coordinator programs graduating 84 students annually into healthcare support roles earning around $27,522. These programs connect directly to the growing healthcare sector in South Texas and provide stable career pathways for graduates.
The emerging Artificial Intelligence program, though smaller at 78 graduates, represents the college's efforts to prepare students for technology sector opportunities. With early earnings of $34,704, this program shows promise for students interested in computing and data analysis fields. The program's development reflects broader trends toward technology integration in regional industries and provides pathways into higher-earning technical careers.
Graduates of South Texas College earn a median of $36,788 ten years after enrollment, with the institution delivering earnings beyond expectations of about $4,287 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the college's ability to help students achieve financial outcomes that exceed what might be predicted based on their academic and demographic profiles. The return on investment becomes particularly meaningful given the extremely low upfront costs students pay.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. Business Administration and Management represents the college's largest and highest-return program, graduating 266 students annually with median earnings of $31,926 ten years out. The program's substantial scale creates meaningful aggregate economic impact for the region. Clinical Research Coordinator programs graduate 84 students with earnings around $27,522, while the emerging Artificial Intelligence program, though smaller at 78 graduates, shows promising early earnings of $34,704.
The college's program portfolio reflects regional workforce needs and emerging opportunities in South Texas. Business programs dominate the graduate pipeline, providing foundational skills for the regional economy, while health-related and technology programs offer pathways into growing sectors. For students who complete their degrees, the combination of minimal debt and solid regional earnings creates a favorable long-term financial position.
South Texas College stands out as exceptionally affordable across all income levels, ranking in the top 2.4% nationally for affordability. Low-income students pay just $895 per year in net price, making college accessible to families with very limited financial resources. Middle-income families face annual costs of $3,261, while even high-income students pay only $5,020 annually, representing extraordinary value compared with typical four-year institutions.
The college's affordability model minimizes student debt burden significantly. Most students graduate with little to no federal loan debt, as the low net prices allow many families to cover costs through grants, work, and modest family contributions. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $7,205 among families who choose this option, a relatively modest amount that reflects both the low underlying costs and the financial profiles of families the college serves. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates who do borrow are successfully managing their obligations.
This affordability structure creates sustainable pathways to degree completion without the debt burdens that challenge students at higher-cost institutions. The combination of extremely low net prices and minimal borrowing requirements makes South Texas College accessible to students who might otherwise be priced out of four-year degree programs.
South Texas College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
