Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College is adding another program to its list of “Top Performers” with the recent recognition of its Cybersecurity Security program as one of the best in Texas for 2025.
Programs.com, a New York-based education platform that helps students discover the top cybersecurity programs across the U.S., recently released its rankings putting STC’s Cybersecurity program in the Top 5.
The recognition highlights the program’s leadership in preparing students for roles in cybersecurity, a field that is rapidly growing and essential to national and global security, according to Programs.com. This reflects the quality of the program’s curriculum, faculty and student outcomes.
“’Wow’ was my first reaction,” said Cybersecurity Department Chair Francisco Salinas. “We have so many faculty who go the extra mile. This is a testament to their work. This recognition sums up what we do for our students.”
From maintaining program persistence and program completion to assistance with job placement, STC’s nearly 200 in-person and 100% online Cybersecurity students come from across the state for its positive reputation.
The program is also one of the most affordable in the state, with tuition coming in at about $9,840 in-state and $15,240 out-of-state.
“We have students from the Rio Grande Valley, all the way up to Dallas, enrolling in our program,” said Salinas. “Why? Because we are preparing our students through theory, hands-on learning and internships that are resulting in life-changing opportunities.”
One of those students enrolled in STC’s Cybersecurity program is Jose Angel Barba, who heard from an advisor how this program could foster his passion for technology.
“The program came highly recommended, and now I see why,” said the 24-year-old Alamo native. “The program is helping me build a solid foundation and gives me opportunities I never thought possible. I get hands-on training that is incomparable. It’s a privilege being a student in this top-ranked program. It deserves this recognition.”
The program presents students like Barba with certificate and associate degree options, in addition to industry certification opportunities, with trainings and exams embedded within the curriculum to prepare students in topics such as networking, the Python programming language and AI modules.
Since training and exams are embedded into STC’s Cybersecurity program, students no longer need to travel to earn these certifications.
Also, beginning next semester, students like Barba, who are chosen through a rigorous interview process, will get to participate in the program’s first Cybersecurity Clinic, funded by a National Science Foundation grant.
The clinic offers local small businesses, with free, hands-on cybersecurity services delivered by trained students under the supervision of expert faculty.
“All of this makes our program unique,” said Salinas. “We work closely with our advisory committee members to make sure our curriculum includes the training that will give our students industry-standard skills. We ensure that our program is affordable and accessible because cybersecurity is in demand. Our graduates start their careers on the frontlines of cybersecurity locally, nationally and globally.”
Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Economic Development Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., said this ranking reaffirms the college’s commitment to excellence.
“Being recognized as one of the best cybersecurity programs in Texas, highlights the strength of our curriculum, the career success of our graduates and the exceptional academic reputation our faculty and students have built together,” she said. “This ranking is a reflection of our mission and vision to deliver programs that not only change lives and transform the communities we serve but also safeguard our region’s digital future.”
For more information on STC’s Cybersecurity program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/cybersecurity/.
Information source: STC
