South Texas College
A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a large campus community. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.
About This School
South Texas College is a public institution located in McAllen, Texas with approximately 16,131 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $1,291 per year. The graduation rate is 28%, and the typical graduate earns $36,500 within 10 years of enrollment.
South Texas College (STC) is a public community college in the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Bachelor of Applied Technology, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of Science degrees. As of fall 2023, STC has an enrollment of over 26,000 students and a staff of approximately 1,600 working across six campuses. It was created on September 1, 1993, with the passage of Texas Senate Bill 251, the purpose of which was to serve Hidalgo and Starr County.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $1,291 per year after aid, this is one of the most affordable college options you'll find anywhere in the country, making it a genuinely strong choice for students in the Rio Grande Valley who need to keep costs low. However, the 28% graduation rate and 61% freshman retention rate are real concerns — most students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously as you plan. If you enroll with a clear program goal, a solid support plan, and ideally a specific transfer target or workforce credential in mind, the low cost can make the risk worthwhile.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (16,131 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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