- 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 27,431 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 39:1 is higher than the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 75%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 27,431 students
- In-state tuition: $3,590
- Out-state tuition: $4,464
- Student-teacher ratio: 39:1
- 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 707 teachers has declined by 64% over five years.
South Texas College
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
707 staff
73 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South Texas College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 39:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The South Texas College diversity score of 0.10 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 28% over five years.
Total Enrollment
27,431 students
1,385 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
39:1
34:1
# Full-Time Students
9,623 students
869 students
# Part-Time Students
17,808 students
3,352 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
27,431 students
1,335 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
9,623 students
837 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17,808 students
3,377 students
% Asian
1%
6%
% Hispanic
95%
47%
% White
2%
25%
% Unknown races
1%
5%
Diversity Score
0.10
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
26%
32%
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 $3,713. 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 $6,099. The out-state tuition has declined by 43% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,590
$3,713
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,464
$6,099
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
89%
88%
Source: 2025 (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
Community Colleges and Careers in Climate Tech and Green Energy
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for careers in climate tech and green energy through specialized training and workforce programs.
Virtual Reality Training Programs in Community Colleges
Explore how virtual reality training programs in community colleges are preparing students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, and more.
Design-Your-Own Degree Programs at Community Colleges
Discover how design-your-own degree programs at community colleges help students create personalized pathways for transfer and career success.
