Finance and Accounting Programs at South Texas College
South Texas College appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Best Associates in Accounting Online.
South Texas College offers a core curriculum that students must follow when they enroll in any degree program. The college designed this curriculum to help students develop better skills that they will need in the field or if they transfer to a different school. It includes science, communication, history, math and philosophy courses. Students need to take between three and eight credits of each subject to earn their degrees. Those in a certificate program take fewer core courses.
The main program offered for students in accounting and finance is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration with a specialization in accounting. It features 60 credits and gives full-time students the chance to earn their degrees in four semesters. The four semesters include an accounting practicum in which the college expects students to do workplace training. They will work with an employer to develop a learning program that meets the requirements of the course. Other classes include Principles of Economics, Communications in Management, Principles of Financial Accounting, Money and Financial Markets and either Federal Income Tax: Individual or Internal Control and Auditing.
In the accounting clerk certificate program, students can develop the skills required to work as clerks in accounting firms and departments. They take a minimum of 28 credit hours of classes and can take most of their required classes over two semesters. In the final semester, the college asks them to complete an accounting practicum. Integrated Software Applications and Introduction to Accounting are two of the first classes that they will take. They also take a course on the computer software and programs that accounting professionals use and Payroll and Business Tax Accounting, which is a course that focuses on the accounting principles they need when working for a company.
The AAS in Business Administration available at South Texas College includes specializations in management, marketing and import, export and logistics. Students have the choice of earning a certificate that includes credits that count towards a degree. Certificates are available in import/export, logistics, management and marketing. The AAS in Business Administration also has a general track available for students who want to study business as a whole. Both the accounting clerk certificate and accounting degree program are offered online too. With the college’s transfer pathway program, students can use their accounting credits in a four-year degree program.
About South Texas College
South Texas College is a community college that primarily offers two-year degree programs with a small number of four-year programs available. Established in 1993 by a state act of legislature, it uses the abbreviation STC. To meet the needs of those in the Rio Grande Valley area, STC offers classes through five physical campuses in Rio Grande City and other towns. The McAllen campus is the college’s main branch and called the Pecan Campus. Through the E-STC Virtual Campus, students can earn credits online too. Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Arts (AA) and Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) programs are all offered by the college. STC also launched an initiative that provides training for students who want to work in manufacturing facilities across the state. Across all campuses, STC has an enrollment of more than 30,000 students.
South Texas College Accreditation Details
As a member of the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), STC offers classes for students who want to complete a two-year degree or transfer to a university. The college’s accounting programs have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), which is an organization that awards full or regional accreditation to the college. SACS accreditation is one of the reasons why students who can demonstrate need can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get a financial aid package that includes support from the college and government. The college’s business administration program also has accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
South Texas College Application Requirements
With an open-door admissions policy, STC allows students to apply and start classes no matter how much experience they have. The Office of Admissions and Records can help students learn how to apply and view the requirements they need to meet. Students apply through the Apply Texas website, which lets them also apply to other state and public colleges in Texas. They need to submit either scores and transcripts from a GED program/test or their high school transcripts. STC will accept college transcripts too. Students will also need to apply for financial aid with the FAFSA and go online to view the aid packages that they get.
If the student has not taken the ACT or SAT or did not submit an official score, STC will require that the applicant take a placement test. They can go online and schedule the test at certain centers around the campus. Only after they get their scores can future students meet with an advisor to go over their degree requirements and register for classes. Before they take any classes, they need to complete the STC orientation too.
Tuition and Financial Aid
At STC, accounting students pay rates based on whether they live in the school district, are in-state residents or nonresidents. Those who live in the college’s district pay fees of $46 and tuition rates of $77 per credit hour as well as a $150 registration fee. Students who live in-district pay the same fees and a tuition rate of $87 per credit hour. Nonresidents pay the highest amount, which is $200 per credit hour. Students only pay this rate if they live outside of Texas.
Both payment plans and emergency funds are available for students every year. The emergency funds let them get money if they do not have any other options. With payment plans, they get more time to pay for all their costs. STC allows students to make payments online, through the mail and in person. Students who qualify for financial aid get vouchers that let them buy textbooks and other supplies before they get their aid. Financial aid packages can include work-study, government grants and loans and scholarships from the college. Students who want to enroll in an accounting degree program at South Texas College will find out what financial aid they received before the start the program.
