Location: Pharr, TX
Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,214
10th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$6,861
28% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.38 ManageableSample: 43 graduates

Analysis

Southern Careers Institute-Pharr's numbers look troubling at first—$18,214 in first-year earnings is well below the national median of $25,094. But context matters significantly here: this program actually sits at the 60th percentile among Texas schools offering business operations certificates. The real concern isn't the starting salary in the Rio Grande Valley economy; it's that earnings slip to $17,637 by year four. With three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, many are likely seeking a quick path to employment, but the declining earnings trajectory suggests limited advancement opportunities in these support roles.

The debt load of $6,861 is reasonable—below both the national and state medians for this credential. At 0.38 times first-year earnings, students can realistically pay this off even on these modest salaries. However, earning power appears to stagnate or decline rather than grow with experience, which is unusual for any credential and raises questions about the long-term career path these roles offer.

For families in the Pharr area needing immediate workforce entry, this program won't burden students with crushing debt. But parents should recognize they're investing in a plateau career, not a launching pad. If geographic flexibility is possible, Houston Community College graduates earn more than double ($37,482), though that may reflect Houston's stronger job market as much as program quality.

Where Southern Careers Institute-Pharr Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business operations support and assistant services certificate's programs nationally

Southern Careers Institute-PharrOther business operations support and assistant services programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Southern Careers Institute-Pharr graduates compare to all programs nationally

Southern Careers Institute-Pharr earns $18k — 10th percentile among business operations support and assistant services certificate programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Southern Careers Institute-Pharr$18,214$17,637-3%
Houston Community College$37,482$35,364-6%
Dallas College$30,228$24,132-20%
Southern Careers Institute-Corpus Christi$18,214$17,637-3%
Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio$18,214$17,637-3%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (62 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Southern Careers Institute-PharrPharr—$18,214$17,637$6,8610.38
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$37,482$35,364$18,7970.50
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$30,228$24,132$18,4560.61
Florida Career College-HoustonHouston—$20,774—$9,5000.46
Southern Careers Institute-San AntonioSan Antonio—$18,214$17,637$6,8610.38
Southern Careers Institute-HarlingenHarlingen—$18,214$17,637$6,8610.38
National Median—$25,094—$9,5000.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business operations support and assistant services graduates

Procurement Clerks

Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

Coordinate and expedite the flow of work and materials within or between departments of an establishment according to production schedule. Duties include reviewing and distributing production, work, and shipment schedules; conferring with department supervisors to determine progress of work and completion dates; and compiling reports on progress of work, inventory levels, costs, and production problems.

$46,120/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Correspondence Clerks

Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

File Clerks

File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

Order Clerks

Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping

Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.

$43,730/yrJobs growth:

Office Clerks, General

Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.

$43,630/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Customer Service Representatives

Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.

$42,830/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Receptionists and Information Clerks

Answer inquiries and provide information to the general public, customers, visitors, and other interested parties regarding activities conducted at establishment and location of departments, offices, and employees within the organization.

$37,230/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southern Careers Institute-Pharr, approximately 76% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.