Texas Border Business
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) continues to lead the Rio Grande Valley in expanding access to higher education, as newly released data from South Texas College (STC) shows PSJA ISD families have saved more than $96 million in college tuition costs since 2013—the highest total savings of any school district in the RGV.
The milestone was highlighted during STC’s annual Dual Credit School Board Member Appreciation Dinner, an event celebrating more than two decades of partnerships that have transformed educational opportunities for students across the region.
Since the inception of STC’s Dual Credit Programs in 2000, families across its 21 partnering school districts have collectively saved more than $464 million in tuition. PSJA ISD’s contribution represents a significant share of that impact, underscoring the district’s long-standing commitment to college access, affordability, and student success.
“Saving PSJA families more than $96 million is about more than dollars—it represents opportunity, equity, and futures changed,” said Dr. Alejandro Elias, Superintendent of PSJA ISD. “Through our strong partnership with South Texas College, our students are earning college credit, graduating with confidence, and beginning their postsecondary journeys ahead of schedule and without the burden of college debt.”
STC Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon recognized the collective impact of district partnerships during the event, which brought together nearly 200 superintendents and school board members.
“For the past 26 years, everyone in this room has worked together to transform our communities through education,” De Leon said in a press release. “Serving more than 150,000 students would not be possible without these partnerships, and the success we celebrate today demonstrates our shared commitment to students and families.”
STC’s Dual Credit Program is nationally recognized and remains the only dual credit program in Texas accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), ensuring rigorous academic standards and transferable college coursework.
At PSJA ISD, dual credit is a cornerstone of the district’s nationally recognized wall to wall model, which provides students with multiple pathways to earn college credit, certificates, and associate degrees—often at no cost to families.
“This achievement reflects the vision and support of our PSJA School Board, the dedication of our educators, and the determination of our students,” Dr. Elias added. “We are proud to lead the region in creating meaningful, life-changing opportunities for all.”
For more information about PSJA ISD’s dual credit and college readiness program, visit www.psjaisd.us/whypsja
