South Texas College is one of the “Best Associate Degrees in Texas” and is ranked the highest among two-year colleges in the region, according to University HQ. The independent educational organization compiles information for students pursuing higher education.
University HQ bills itself as an all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths, providing career guides for students. The organization also has STC among the “Top Colleges for Online Associate Degrees in Psychology, Human Resources, History and Computer Science.”
University HQ aggregated at least 11 different factors in their ranking process. These include cost of tuition, admission rate, retention, graduation rate, graduating salary, the number of programs offered, online programs offered, loan default rate, diplomas awarded, percent of students receiving financial aid as well as expert opinion and reputation.
“We have a unique college in that we are the largest community college in south Texas when you look at student population, dual credit pathways, certificate and associate degree programs, and how STC has accelerated growth in the last 29 years,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis. “South Texas College is playing a viable role in placing an emphasis on higher education and workforce training among its community’s constituents, increasing the region’s economic viability and competitiveness. In the Valley, we are the drivers of globalization and innovation.”
A Growing List Of Recognitions
Other recent recognitions confirm the college’s leadership among the many community colleges in Texas and across the nation.
Excelencia in Education’s 2020 Latino completion study, ranked South Texas College first in Texas for enrolling and graduating Latinos. STC was also second in the nation for awarding associate degrees to Hispanics and third in the nation in Hispanic undergraduate enrollment.
STC was also No.1 in the nation in 2021 as the most affordable Exercise Science and Kinesiology Associate Degree by Best Health Degrees. That same year, it was also the 2021 Best Online Community College by Premium Schools. In addition, the college ranked first in the nation as the most affordable online college for bachelor degrees by Online College Plan. The year 2021 also brought with it a ranking of first in the nation as the most affordable Associate Degree in Nursing program for by NursingSchoolHub.