Business Operations Support and Assistant Services at Southern Careers Institute-Austin

Southern Careers Institute's business certificate carries a significant risk: graduates earn less four years out than they do right after completion, with median earnings dropping from $18,214 to $17,637. While the program's debt load is relatively modest at $6,861—below Texas medians—these earnings barely reach full-time minimum wage levels in Austin. The national comparison is stark: this program ranks in just the 10th percentile nationally, with graduates earning about $7,000 less than the typical business operations certificate holder elsewhere.

The Texas picture offers a more nuanced view. This program actually sits at the state median for earnings, meaning half of similar Texas programs produce identical or worse outcomes. However, the state's top performers demonstrate what's possible: Houston Community College graduates earn more than double at $37,482, and even Dallas College produces $30,228 median earnings. With 65% of students receiving Pell grants, many are already financially vulnerable and may struggle to build on these earnings.

For a parent considering this investment, the core question is whether near-minimum-wage earnings justify even modest debt when stronger alternatives exist within Texas. The certificate provides quick entry to the workforce, but the declining earnings trajectory and weak competitive positioning—particularly in a city with Austin's cost of living—suggest exploring community college alternatives that offer better income potential for similar credentials.