Enrollment at STC continues to climb

WESLACO — South Texas College is on a roll with enrollment.

The school has topped previous registration records with an 18 percent increase for summer 2008.

 
STC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management William Serrata expressed his delight over the new students and the increased enrollment figures.

"We are thrilled to have so many new faces at all five of our campuses this summer," he said. "At this time last year we had just under 6,000 students attending classes. This year, more than 7,078 students have already enrolled and we expect that number to increase by another 4,000 before the end of the summer!"

 Students from four-year universities are using the summer session at STC to get ahead in their college work by taking transferable courses.

"I have taken summer classes at STC for three years now and it's a great way for me to pick up college credit and fulfill some of my electives and other requirements," said University of Texas-San Antonio criminal justice major Gabriel Garza.

Garza said courses at STC are more affordable and appreciates having more personal time with professors.

 "This summer I am taking art appreciation and I have taken speech, English and other courses at STC," he said. "Not only are the class sizes smaller, but the tuition is very affordable. Thanks to STC I am also going to graduate from college early."

 In addition to this year's record increase in total enrollment, the college saw a 300 percent increase in enrollment of first-time-college students.

"It's so exciting to see more and more young people realizing that college is the path to a better life," Serrata said. "I know that families in Hidalgo and Starr counties understand that college is not just an option, it is crucial to obtaining a good job and a sound economic future."

Serrata said STC has the ability to continue to cater to most students who wish to enroll.

"At South Texas College, we offer students more than 100 certificate and degree options so there is something here for everyone," he said. 

 Enrollment is still open for STC's second summer session. Classes begin July 9. Interested applicants can contact STC at 956-872-8311.