Most affordable college in the country

Following a rich history of being recognized for its dedication to excellence, South Texas College has once again been ranked among the top colleges in the country.

This year, the college achieved the highest national ranking for the Most Affordable College Programs by University HQ, an independent educational organization dedicated to providing valuable information to students pursuing higher education.

“We are constantly looking for ways to provide affordable education and help our students graduate debt-free. This recognition is a testament to our dedication,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “We are honored to be named the most affordable college in Texas and the nation.”

This year, STC also received national rankings for its Affordable Operations Management, Affordable Health Care Management and Most Affordable Information Technology (IT) Programs, and was also one of the Top 25 Lowest Tuition Online College Programs.

In a release, the organization states that, “When it comes to cost, STC is a great value in higher education.”

“Our efforts have a profound impact on our community, and we are keenly aware of this,” added Solis. “By providing quality higher education and making it accessible and affordable, we empower individuals to improve their lives and, in turn, uplift their families and community. We are deeply committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the Rio Grande Valley.”

University HQ bills itself as an all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths meant to provide career guides for students.

The organization also placed STC among the Best Online Community Colleges in Texas and the Top 25 Colleges for Online Associate Degrees in Social Work, English Education, Sociology and Communications.

“Being recognized as one of the top Texas colleges in multiple categories by University HQ is a testament to STC’s unwavering commitment to providing quality programs at an affordable price,” said STC Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D. “Excellence is not just a goal at STC; it is a standard embedded in all our programs.”

Petrosian added that through ongoing external accreditation, the college continually evaluates its curriculum and student outcomes to stay focused on continuous improvement and innovation.

With 130 degree and certificate options, which include five baccalaureate degrees and 37 fully online programs, STC is one of the state’s leading colleges with a large presence of five campuses, a Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, two Higher Education Centers, a virtual campus, and an average enrollment of nearly 30,000 students each semester.

In 2023, STC was named a Top 10 College in the nation by Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine for associate degrees granted, its enrollment as a four-year school and for its majors in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and related services.

It was also second in the nation for most affordable online Bachelor Degrees by The Community for Accredited Online Schools (AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org), and recognized by NICHE with the 6th position for Safest College Campus in Texas and 12th for Best College Location in Texas.

“Our success stems from a combination of dedicated faculty, innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive learning environment, which collectively create a dynamic educational experience preparing students for success in today’s competitive job market,” said Petrosian. “As we celebrate this achievement, we also look ahead to expanding our resources, enhancing student support and strengthening our partnerships to ensure that STC remains at the forefront of higher education.”