Texas Border Business
McAllen, TX (October 5, 2015) – Recently, South Texas College announced its official enrollment figures with a record-breaking 34,641 students for the fall 2015 semester, reflecting a 10.6 percent increase of approximately 3,316 students over fall 2014.
Often gone unnoticed are the annual contributions of non-credit workforce and continuing education courses that reported an additional enrollment of approximately 17,065 students. The record-breaking enrollment brings the College’s total student population to 51,706 when combined with non-credit students, confirming that the College remains the largest higher education institution south of San Antonio.
“The strong growth in enrollment validates the success of South Texas College,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “Students love their experience with us and are so appreciative of the quality education, the caring faculty and staff, as well as the workforce preparation they are receiving. Success begets even greater success.”
Highlights in the record-breaking enrollment include the South Texas College Online student population that increased from 5,227 in fall 2014 to 5,905 in fall 2015. The Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City increased its student body by 11 percent with 1,127 students in fall 2014 to 1,252 in fall 2015. The Technology Campus in McAllen also saw an increase this fall 2015 with approximately 124 additional students.
The College first opened its doors in 1993 to just over 1,000 students. With an enrollment that has grown from 30,824 in fall 2012 to the current 34,641 in fall 2015, South Texas College projects to have a student body of 42,000 by fall 2020.
“Our team has focused on assisting students with their schedules, financial aid, payment plans, advising and anything else they needed in order to have a strong start to the fall semester,” said South Texas College Dean of Enrollment Services & Registrar Matthew Hebbard. “As with all of our initiatives, it is always about the success of our students.”
Dr. Reed expressed her good wishes for students at the College’s five campuses. “We are ready for an exciting fall semester and look forward to witnessing the success of our students … all 34,641 of them!”
