- South Texas College is a public institution of higher education meeting the diverse educational and workforce needs of the people of Hidalgo and Starr counties.
School Highlights
South Texas College serves 37,297 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 37,297 students
- In-state tuition: $3,590
- Out-state tuition: $4,464
- Student:teacher ratio: 19:1
- Minority enrollment: 98%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
South Texas College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,992 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
South Texas College
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
1,992 staff
262 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South Texas College has grown by 12% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The South Texas College diversity score of 0.10 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 28% over five years.
Total Enrollment
37,297 students
4,931 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
10,857 students
909 students
# Part-Time Students
26,440 students
4,022 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
372 students
403 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
10,857 students
890 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
40 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
26,440 students
4,166 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
47 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
252 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
95%
46%
% Black
n/a
13%
% White
2%
26%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.10
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
55%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
26%
34%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,600
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,590 is less than the state average of $3,764. The in-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,464 is less than the state average of $6,054. The out-state tuition has declined by 43% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,590
$3,764
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,464
$6,054
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
91%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,765
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
84%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Since its inception in 1993, South Texas College has grown from 1,000 to more than 17,000 students, and from a faculty and staff of 267 to 1489. The college has also grown from one campus to five campuses and centers. STC has campuses in McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City as well as the Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Nursing and Allied Health Center in McAllen, and the Technology Center in south McAllen near the Foreign Trade Zone. South Texas College is a comprehensive college offering the Bachelor of Applied Technology, and associate degrees and certificates in 90 degree and certificate program options. Academic courses are transferable to colleges and universities and the curriculum includes distance learning, weekend courses and a newly added mini-mester. Although located in Hidalgo County, the STC Pecan Campus services students from the entire Rio Grande Valley. The campus offers comprehensive courses for college transfer to four-year institutions as well as vocational, technical and continuing education courses. The campus is currently undergoing numerous construction projects that will add an expanded library wing, new instructional facilities, and a new student services building. STC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award the Bachelor of Applied Technology, the Associate of Arts, the Associate of Sciences, and the Associate of Applied Sciences Degrees and Certificates. It is also approved for veteran's educational training in Certificate and Associate of Applied Sciences Degree programs by the Texas Education Agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does South Texas College cost?
South Texas College's tuition is approximately $3,590 for In-State students and $4,464 for Out-State students.
What is South Texas College's ranking?
South Texas College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Average community college minority breakdown and Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
Hands Across California: Community College Students Band Together to Save the System
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.
