Accounting at Southern Careers Institute-San Antonio

Southern Careers Institute's accounting certificate program sits right at the Texas median for earnings but significantly below national standards, with graduates earning $22,081 in their first year compared to the national median of $31,684. While this places the program in the 60th percentile within Texas, it ranks in just the 23rd percentile nationally—meaning nearly 80% of similar programs across the country produce higher-earning graduates.

The program's saving grace is its relatively low debt burden at $8,507, which is substantially below both the national median ($13,047) and creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. However, even with this lower debt load, the earnings gap is concerning when you consider that Austin Community College's accounting program produces graduates earning nearly triple at $62,261, and several other Texas community colleges significantly outperform Southern Careers Institute.

For families seeking an affordable entry point into accounting, this program offers low debt and serves a high-need population (65% receive Pell grants). But the earnings potential severely limits career prospects, and the modest 11% growth over four years suggests graduates may struggle to advance. Parents should strongly consider the higher-performing community college alternatives in Texas that offer similar affordability with dramatically better earning outcomes.