South Texas College (STC) offers international students an opportunity to pursue higher education in Texas through associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and career-focused certificate programs. For students comparing the cost of studying in the United States, understanding South Texas College tuition fees, scholarship eligibility, and financial aid policies is essential before applying.
Unlike universities offering extensive graduate and MBA programs, South Texas College focuses primarily on undergraduate education and workforce development. This distinction matters because international students must evaluate the college’s actual academic programs and funding opportunities rather than assume that scholarships available at larger universities also apply to STC.
This guide examines the college’s tuition structure, international student expenses, financial aid opportunities, scholarship application requirements, and alternatives for students interested in pursuing an MBA after completing their undergraduate studies.
South Texas College Tuition Fees for International Students
South Texas College uses a residency-based tuition system. International students generally pay the non-resident rate unless they qualify for a different classification under applicable Texas rules.
For fiscal year 2026–2027, the college publishes a non-resident tuition rate of $254 per credit hour. This rate applies to international students and other students classified as non-residents. Certain academic programs have additional charges.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
The amount an international student pays depends primarily on the number of credit hours taken each semester and whether the chosen program carries additional charges.
The college’s published 2026–2027 tuition rates are:
| Student classification | Tuition per credit hour |
|---|---|
| In-district | $164 |
| Out-of-district Texas resident | $174 |
| Non-resident, including international students | $254 |
These are published tuition rates, not estimates of the total cost of studying in the United States.
For an international student enrolled in a standard undergraduate program, the following tuition calculations illustrate the cost of different course loads.
| Semester credit hours | Non-resident tuition |
|---|---|
| 6 credits | $1,524 |
| 9 credits | $2,286 |
| 12 credits | $3,048 |
| 15 credits | $3,810 |
| 18 credits | $4,572 |
A student taking 15 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters would therefore pay $7,620 in published tuition and standard fees over the academic year, before any additional program-specific or incidental charges.
Students should confirm their course load with the international admissions office because enrollment requirements may differ according to immigration status and academic circumstances.
Graduate and Master’s Degree Tuition Fees
South Texas College does not list master’s degree programs in its 2026–2027 academic catalog. Its academic offerings include certificates, associate degrees, and selected bachelor’s degrees.
Consequently, there is no published STC graduate tuition schedule for international students seeking a master’s degree.
Students interested in graduate education can instead investigate undergraduate pathways that may prepare them to transfer to a university offering master’s programs.
For example, South Texas College offers bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Leadership, Operations Management, Computer and Information Technologies, Medical and Health Services Management, and Nursing. Admission to these bachelor’s programs may involve additional requirements.
MBA Tuition Fees
South Texas College does not offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in its published academic offerings. Therefore, it does not have an MBA tuition fee, MBA cost-of-attendance schedule, or institutional MBA scholarship program.
However, students interested in business education can consider its undergraduate business programs before pursuing an MBA at another institution.
The college’s Business Administration transfer pathway is designed to prepare students for continued study at institutions offering bachelor’s degrees in business.
Total Cost of Attendance
Tuition is only one component of the total cost of studying at South Texas College.
International students should prepare a financial plan covering their educational and personal expenses throughout the academic year.
A realistic budget should account for:
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Tuition and mandatory academic fees.
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Accommodation and utilities.
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Food and everyday living expenses.
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Books, course materials, and required equipment.
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Health insurance and medical expenses.
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Transportation and personal expenses.
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Additional charges associated with specific programs.
The college’s cost-of-attendance calculations are intended to help students understand the financial resources needed beyond tuition. Actual expenses depend on housing arrangements, enrollment, and individual circumstances.
Health Science Professions programs also carry an additional tuition charge of $75 per credit hour under the published 2026–2027 schedule. This affects programs such as nursing and several allied health qualifications.
Tuition comparison for 2026–2027
| Program type | Published tuition | Additional expenses | Academic year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard undergraduate, 12 credits | $3,048 per semester | Living costs, books, insurance and applicable fees | 2026–2027 |
| Standard undergraduate, 15 credits | $3,810 per semester | Living costs, books, insurance and applicable fees | 2026–2027 |
| Standard undergraduate, 30 credits | $7,620 across two semesters | Living costs, books, insurance and applicable fees | 2026–2027 |
| Health Science Professions, 15 credits | $4,935 per semester, assuming all credits attract the additional charge | Program supplies, equipment and other applicable costs | 2026–2027 |
| MBA | Not offered | Not applicable | 2026–2027 |
The figures are based on the college’s published non-resident tuition schedule. They do not represent an individual student’s final bill or guarantee that a particular course load is available.
Tuition Fees After Scholarships and Financial Aid
The published tuition rate and the amount a student ultimately pays can be different.
A scholarship may reduce eligible tuition charges, while other forms of financial assistance may help with educational expenses specified by the award.
For example, consider an international student with an annual tuition charge of $7,620 who receives a hypothetical $2,000 scholarship that can be applied entirely toward tuition.
The remaining tuition would be $5,620.
This is an illustrative calculation, not a statement that South Texas College offers a $2,000 scholarship to every international student.
Students should verify whether an award can be applied to tuition, whether it is renewable, and whether it can be combined with other funding before including it in their financial plans.
South Texas College Financial Aid for International Students
South Texas College administers several forms of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and assistance from external organizations.
However, international student eligibility varies substantially across funding programs. Being admitted to the college does not automatically establish eligibility for federal or state financial aid.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-based financial aid is generally awarded according to a student’s financial circumstances and the eligibility rules of a particular funding program.
South Texas College participates in federal financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
These programs have federal eligibility requirements. Students must generally be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, alongside meeting other program conditions.
An international student studying in the United States on an F-1 visa should not assume eligibility for federal grants simply because they demonstrate financial need.
Some non-U.S. citizens may qualify for federal assistance under specific immigration classifications, but eligibility must be established under the applicable federal rules.
International applicants should contact Student Financial Services to determine which institutional or external funding opportunities are available under their particular status.
Merit-Based Scholarships, If Available
South Texas College publishes a scholarship directory containing awards with different academic, financial, enrollment, and program-specific requirements.
Its scholarship application for Fall 2026 through Summer 2027 allows students to submit a general application and be matched with institutional scholarships for which they qualify. Third-party scholarships may require separate applications.
Some awards consider academic performance, while others have additional requirements related to financial need, enrollment, or a particular field of study.
International students should examine the eligibility rules for each scholarship individually. An award’s appearance in the college’s scholarship directory does not establish that it is open to F-1 students.
Financial Aid Eligibility for International Students
Scholarship eligibility and federal financial aid eligibility are not interchangeable.
The following distinctions are particularly important.
| Funding category | International student eligibility |
|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Restricted to applicants meeting federal citizenship or eligible-noncitizen requirements |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant | Subject to federal student aid eligibility |
| Institutional scholarships | Depends on the individual scholarship’s conditions |
| External scholarships | Depends on the sponsoring organization |
| Texas state financial aid | Depends on the applicable state program and residency requirements |
| Private education funding | Depends on the lender or funding provider |
South Texas College also provides information about the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) for qualifying students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Its published guidance describes specific Texas residency and educational-history requirements. This is not a general funding entitlement for all international students.
Students should confirm their eligibility before completing a financial aid application or relying on a particular award to finance their studies.
Family Income and Expected Financial Contributions
Financial need is generally evaluated by comparing a student’s educational expenses with available financial resources.
For federal student aid, the Student Aid Index (SAI) is used in financial need calculations. It replaced the former Expected Family Contribution terminology.
South Texas College explains financial need using the relationship between cost of attendance and the Student Aid Index.
However, the SAI is not a universal scholarship eligibility formula, and it does not establish eligibility for international students who cannot receive federal aid.
Private scholarship providers may use different criteria, including household income, academic achievement, or documented financial hardship.
International applicants should prepare accurate financial information and follow the documentation requirements of each relevant scholarship.
What Does Financial Aid Cover?
Scholarship coverage depends on the terms of the individual award.
Some scholarships may be restricted to tuition and mandatory fees. Others may provide assistance toward books, educational supplies, or additional approved expenses.
A scholarship described as a tuition award should not automatically be treated as a fully funded scholarship.
A fully funded educational package would generally need to address tuition and substantial additional costs, such as living expenses, although the exact meaning depends on the award.
Students should obtain written confirmation of the award’s amount, permitted uses, duration, and renewal conditions.
Financial Aid Application Requirements
South Texas College’s institutional scholarship application is intended to match applicants with available awards according to their eligibility.
Depending on the scholarship, students may need to demonstrate academic progress, maintain a specified GPA, enroll in a qualifying program, or provide financial information.
The college’s scholarship directory should be treated as the authoritative source for the conditions attached to each institutional award.
International students should also verify whether their immigration status permits them to receive the award and whether the scholarship requires completion of a federal financial aid application.
Required Documents and Deadlines
The documents required for scholarship applications vary by award.
Applicants may be asked to provide academic transcripts, enrollment information, evidence of financial need, or additional documentation specified by the scholarship provider.
For federal financial aid applicants, South Texas College provides separate forms and verification procedures. These should not be confused with the requirements for scholarships open to international students.
The college’s 2026–2027 scholarship application covers Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. Individual scholarships may have separate closing dates, so applicants should verify the current status of each award before applying.
South Texas College MBA Scholarships for International Students
Students searching for South Texas College MBA scholarships should understand an important distinction: STC offers undergraduate business education but does not offer an MBA degree.
Its published academic programs include business-related associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Leadership and Operations Management. These programs are not equivalent to a graduate MBA.
MBA Tuition Fees and Total Program Cost
There is no South Texas College MBA tuition fee because the college does not offer an MBA program.
International students who intend to pursue an MBA should investigate the tuition and financial aid policies of the university where they plan to complete their graduate degree.
MBA costs can differ substantially according to the institution, program duration, enrollment format, and available funding.
Students should compare the total cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.
MBA Scholarships and Fellowships
South Texas College does not publish an institutional MBA scholarship or fellowship program.
However, students interested in graduate business education may use an undergraduate qualification as part of their preparation for future MBA admission.
The college’s Business Administration transfer pathway is designed for students planning to continue their education at institutions offering bachelor’s degrees in business.
Students pursuing this pathway should verify how their credits will transfer and whether their intended bachelor’s degree will satisfy the admission requirements of future MBA programs.
Need-Based MBA Financial Aid
Need-based MBA financial aid is administered by the graduate business school offering the MBA degree, not by South Texas College.
Some graduate institutions provide scholarships based on demonstrated financial need. Others offer fellowships, institutional loans, or a combination of funding options.
International students should examine each business school’s financial aid eligibility requirements carefully, particularly when a program distinguishes between domestic and international applicants.
Merit-Based MBA Scholarships, If Available
South Texas College does not award MBA merit scholarships because it does not offer an MBA.
At universities that do offer MBA programs, merit-based awards may consider academic achievement, professional experience, leadership, or other criteria established by the institution.
The availability and selection process for these scholarships must be verified directly with the relevant business school.
MBA Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
International students planning to pursue an MBA after studying at South Texas College should research the admission and scholarship requirements of their intended graduate institution.
Depending on the business school, applicants may need an eligible bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, professional experience, essays, recommendations, or standardized test results.
These are general MBA application considerations, not South Texas College requirements.
How to Apply for MBA Scholarships
Students should first identify universities offering an MBA that matches their academic and professional goals.
They should then compare each institution’s tuition, scholarship policies, financial aid application procedures, and international student eligibility.
Some business schools consider applicants for scholarships during the admissions process, while others require a separate funding application.
Applicants should follow the official instructions of their chosen institution rather than assume that an undergraduate scholarship application at STC will transfer to a graduate university.
MBA Financial Aid Deadlines
South Texas College does not publish MBA scholarship application deadlines.
Students pursuing graduate business education elsewhere must consult the admissions and financial aid calendars of their intended business schools.
MBA admissions deadlines and scholarship deadlines may differ, so both should be checked before submitting an application.
Additional MBA Funding Options
Students preparing for future MBA study can investigate employer-sponsored education, external graduate scholarships, and funding offered directly by graduate institutions.
Eligibility varies according to the sponsor and program.
International students should also investigate whether external funding can be combined with institutional scholarships and whether any award carries employment or repayment obligations.
How Much Will International Students Actually Pay?
The amount an international student ultimately pays at South Texas College depends on their tuition classification, course load, living arrangements, additional program charges, and any confirmed financial assistance.
The college’s official 2026–2027 cost-of-attendance document provides a particularly useful reference.
For a full-time non-resident student taking 15 credit hours in both the fall and spring semesters, STC publishes the following nine-month budget.
| Expense | Living with parents | Living independently |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $7,620 | $7,620 |
| Books and supplies | $1,600 | $1,600 |
| Living expenses and transportation | $10,550 | $14,462 |
| Total estimated cost | $19,770 | $23,682 |
These figures are institutional budgeting estimates rather than guaranteed charges. They cover the specified nine-month academic period and may not include every expense associated with an individual international student’s circumstances.
The college does not provide on-campus housing, so students must arrange accommodation and account for their actual housing and meal costs.
Example: International student living independently
Consider an international student taking 30 credit hours over the academic year and living independently near the college.
Using the official 2026–2027 non-resident budget, the estimated cost of attendance is $23,682.
If the student receives a hypothetical $3,000 scholarship that can be applied to their eligible educational expenses, the remaining estimated cost would be $20,682.
This example illustrates the effect of financial assistance; it does not imply that STC guarantees a $3,000 scholarship or that the student would qualify for one.
The student’s actual expenses could also be higher because of health insurance, personal circumstances, travel, or additional program requirements.
For international applicants, the most useful financial plan is one based on confirmed funding rather than scholarships they hope to receive.
How to Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Applying to South Texas College involves separate academic admission and financial planning processes.
International students should complete the required admission documentation and investigate scholarship eligibility before relying on financial assistance to cover their expenses.
Step 1: Choose an eligible academic program
Review the college’s official academic catalog and identify the certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree that matches your educational goals.
Confirm that the program is available to international students and that its delivery format is compatible with your intended immigration status.
Students interested in bachelor’s programs should also review any additional program-specific admission requirements.
Step 2: Apply for international admission
South Texas College provides a dedicated international admissions process.
According to its international student guidance, applicants must submit academic documentation and evidence of their ability to finance their education.
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
The college’s international admissions instructions identify several important documents, including:
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Official academic transcripts, translated into English and evaluated where required.
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A signed and notarized affidavit of financial support.
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A financial statement from a bank or other financial institution.
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A valid passport.
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Required academic assessment documentation.
Applicants should follow the college’s current instructions for submitting these documents.
Step 4: Review available scholarships
Visit the official South Texas College scholarship directory and review the awards available for the relevant academic year.
Check each scholarship’s eligibility conditions, application requirements, award amount, and deadline.
International applicants should specifically confirm whether their immigration status is eligible for the scholarship.
Step 5: Submit the scholarship application
South Texas College’s general scholarship application allows applicants to be considered for institutional awards matching their eligibility.
External scholarships may require separate applications.
Selected recipients are notified through their STC email account, and awards are also displayed in JagNet.
Step 6: Confirm financial aid eligibility
Students who may qualify for federal or Texas state financial aid should follow the appropriate application process.
International students who do not meet federal eligibility requirements should not assume that submitting a FAFSA will make them eligible for federal grants.
Applicants should contact Student Financial Services when their citizenship, immigration status, or residency classification requires clarification.
Step 7: Finalize your financial plan
Before beginning their studies, international students should calculate their expected tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and other educational costs.
The college’s international admissions process requires financial documentation demonstrating the availability of funds.
Students should therefore prepare sufficient evidence of financial support and avoid depending on unconfirmed scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much are South Texas College tuition fees for international students in 2026–2027?
South Texas College publishes a non-resident tuition rate of $254 per credit hour for 2026–2027.
An international student taking 15 credit hours would pay $3,810 in standard tuition and fees for one semester, before additional applicable charges.
2. Does South Texas College offer fully funded scholarships for international students?
The college offers institutional and external scholarship opportunities, but its published scholarship information does not establish a universal fully funded scholarship program for international students.
Applicants should check individual awards for international eligibility and funding coverage.
3. Can international students receive financial aid at South Texas College?
International students may be eligible for particular institutional or external scholarships, depending on the award’s conditions.
Federal financial aid is subject to citizenship and eligible-noncitizen requirements. International students should verify their eligibility before applying.
4. Does South Texas College provide need-based financial aid?
South Texas College administers need-based financial assistance, including federal and state programs for eligible students.
However, eligibility varies by program, and ordinary F-1 student status does not automatically qualify an international student for federal aid.
5. Are MBA scholarships available at South Texas College?
No institutional MBA scholarship program is listed because South Texas College does not offer an MBA degree.
Students interested in MBA scholarships should investigate graduate business schools offering the qualification.
6. What are the MBA tuition fees at South Texas College?
South Texas College does not publish MBA tuition fees because an MBA is not among its academic programs. Its business-related offerings include undergraduate degrees and transfer pathways.
7. What financial documents do international students need?
The college’s international admissions instructions require financial evidence, including a notarized affidavit of support and a bank or other financial statement documenting available funds.
Applicants should also provide the academic and identification documents required for admission.
8. When is the South Texas College scholarship application deadline?
The college provides a scholarship application for Fall 2026 through Summer 2027, but individual awards may have separate deadlines.
Students should check the scholarship directory for the specific award they intend to pursue rather than rely on a single general deadline.
9. How much does it cost to attend South Texas College for one academic year?
For 2026–2027, the college’s official nine-month cost-of-attendance estimate for a full-time non-resident student is $19,770 when living with parents and $23,682 when living independently.
These estimates include tuition, books, supplies, living expenses, and transportation. Actual international student expenses may differ.
10. Can South Texas College scholarships be renewed?
Renewal depends on the conditions of the individual scholarship.
Some awards may require students to maintain a specified GPA, meet enrollment requirements, or demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.
Students should verify the renewal terms of their particular award and should not assume that a scholarship automatically continues throughout their degree.
Official Tuition, Financial Aid and MBA Scholarship Resources
The following official South Texas College resources provide the information needed to verify tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, financial aid requirements, and available academic programs.
| Official resource | Information provided |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fee Rates | Current tuition rates, residency classifications, and additional program charges |
| 2026–2027 Academic Catalog | Academic programs, tuition policies, admission requirements, and college regulations |
| Cost of Attendance | Official educational expense estimates |
| Scholarships | Institutional scholarship application, award directory, and eligibility information |
| Financial Aid | Federal and state financial aid programs and eligibility requirements |
| International Admissions | International application procedures and required financial documents |
| Bachelor’s Degree Programs | Available bachelor’s degrees and undergraduate academic pathways |
| Business Administration | Business programs and transfer pathways for further university study |
South Texas College does not have an official MBA scholarship resource because it does not offer an MBA program. Students planning to pursue graduate business education should consult the admissions and financial aid offices of the university where they intend to complete their MBA.
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