STC Named Among ‘Best Associate Degrees In Texas’ By University HQ
South Texas College has been named among the “Best Associate Degrees in Texas” and is ranked the highest among two-year colleges in the region, according to University HQ, an independent educational organization which 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 meant to provide career guides for students. The organization also named 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 including 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, Ph.D. “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.”
STC has a rich history of being recognized and honored for its dedication to excellence. The college has received numerous awards from national, state and local organizations in its nearly three decades of serving the Rio Grande Valley.
The 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, second in the nation for awarding associate degrees to Hispanics and third in the nation in Hispanic undergraduate enrollment.
STC also ranked No.1 in the nation in 2021 as the most affordable Exercise Science and Kinesiology Associate Degree by Best Health Degrees, and as 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 and ranked first in the nation as the most affordable Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for 2021 by NursingSchoolHub.
Since its inception, STC has expanded its enrollment to over 28,000 students across five campuses in Hidalgo and Starr counties including the STC Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, two higher education centers and a virtual campus.
STC offers 127 degree and certificate options, 36 online programs, and is authorized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer Bachelor of Applied Technology and Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees.
“STC’s mission is to deliver relevant workforce and higher education programs that give our region extensive job opportunities,” said STC Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez. “Our programs and credentials are designed to assist residents of all ages and all backgrounds transform their lives and economic standing.”
For a full list of STC’s achievements, awards, rankings and accreditations please visit www.southtexascollege.edu/excellence/.