Education
Education: A Building Block of Society
Our community was built on a foundation of highly-skilled and driven individuals who strived for excellence at every turn. Today, we continue to be just that – a vibrant culture with a youthful and driven generation actively adapting to the needs of modern society.
Molding Obstacles into Opportunities
“It takes a village to raise a child” is a famous idiom which holds true in McAllen. The youth of the nation grows in a highly competitive world led by a demand for innovation and progress. Our educational system helps each child with the opportunity to excel and face the job market head on, no matter their background. Our school districts and higher education institutions combine their expertise and resources to inspire children and young adults to pursue a successful future. The programs offered at each of our educational facilities aim to promote the idea that every individual should set and conquer their goals and endeavors to continuously improve themselves. Take a closer look at our school systems and programs to see what they have to offer:
University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley is an institution for higher education located within one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation. The demand for a highly-skilled and educated workforce in the Rio Grande Valley is constantly increasing. The university aims to educate and prepare young adults for local, national and international job markets while instilling them with life-long lessons and memorable experiences.
UTRGV offers a multitude of educational opportunities for undergraduates, graduates, international students and veterans. Students may pick from 56 Bachelor’s, 53 Master’s, 3 Doctorates and 2 Cooperative Doctoral programs from 7 colleges.
Home Sweet Home
As a campus close to home, UTRGV is a highly rated academic institution in support of the Hispanic culture. According to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education 2013, UTRGV ranked as:
- One of the top 100 best U.S. colleges for Hispanic students
- 3rd in the nation for the number of undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded to Hispanics
- 3rd highest among all universities in the amount of Hispanics enrolled
- 2nd highest among all universities in the amount of full-time undergraduate and graduate Hispanics enrolled
More Bang for Your Buck
Affordable education is a feature UTRGV holds dearly. The university boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the country and offers an extensive list of amenities and opportunities available for a student’s higher education. Last year, students at the university received over $110 million in financial aid and scholarships. The journey toward earning a college degree is made easier by the financial opportunities provided by UTRGV.
A Perfect Fit
Finding the right university can be an overwhelming experience. UTRGV caters directly to the student by offering access to every tool necessary to succeed. More than 19,000 students are enrolled at UTRGV but classes are small and personal attention from faculty is readily available. Close to home, low-cost tuition, a state-of-the-art institution and experiences that will last a lifetime are all the school has to offer. What more could you want from your college?
Become a Vaquero
Visit the UTRGV website to learn more about the educational opportunities available in your area. Visit the campus at 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539 or call 665-2020 Help Desk.
McAllen Independent School District
John L. Wilde, john.wilde@mcallenisd.net , Director for Student Support Services, Title IX Coordinator (Students and Employees) , 2200 Tamarack Ave. Portable 69 , McAllen, TX – 78501 (956) 618-6031
South Texas College
South Texas College serves as a major platform for higher education in the Rio Grande Valley through its baccalaureate and associate degree programs. Certification programs are also offered for enrolled students. STC is comprised of six campuses; five state-of-the-art and one virtual.
The average student to faculty ratio provides the ultimate atmosphere for individualized attention. Over 1,600 faculty and staff members serve as highly skilled educators to more than 30,000 enrolled students.
A Campus Close to Home
South Texas College has come a long way since setting its roots in 1993. Branch locations can be found Valley-wide with their Pecan Campus in McAllen being their most well-known. This branch is one that offers the full range of services available at any STC location. Students can complete courses for transfer to a four-year institution or enroll in vocational and technical courses in a location close to home.
Furthering Professional and Workforce Education
It is never too late to pursue a new career with the help of higher education or special training. STC offers programs for lifelong learners interested in new skills, career changes, license renewals and certifications or seeking personal enrichment. Part of this program is catered toward customized training for local businesses, industries and community members. Each training program can be tailored to fit the specific needs of an enrolled student or client. Opportunities are endless as on-campus or online courses are available to all.
Dual Enrollment
Over 10,000 young students participate in STC’s dual enrollment program. This is in gear with a variety of early college high schools, drop-out recovery programs, academies and other educational initiatives across the Rio Grande Valley. This opportunity encourages students to pursue higher education through the introduction of college life and allows them to earn certificates and associate degrees while enrolled in high school.
Articulation Agreements
STC has implemented more than 60 articulation agreements with colleges and universities across the nation. Transferring credits is made easy for students looking to further their education beyond STC’s associate degree program.
Join the Jag Team
Visit the South Texas College website to learn more about the opportunities available in your area. The Pecan Campus is located at 3201 W. Pecan, McAllen TX, 78501 and can be reached at 956.872.8311.
