Creation and Accreditation

South Texas College was created on September 1, 1993, by Texas Senate Bill 251 to serve Hidalgo and Starr counties. It was the only community college in Texas to have been established by the Texas Legislature. A confirmation election, held on August 12, 1995, established a taxing district for the college. Seven districts, based on population, were also approved for single-member representation on the Board of Trustees. A community leader from each of the seven districts was originally appointed by Governor Ann Richards to serve on the founding Board of Trustees. Since then, an election process has been established, and all board members are elected for six-year terms.

In December of 2004, South Texas College was awarded membership from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a Level II-Baccalaureate Degree granting institution to offer the Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree. Today, the college offers three Bachelor of Applied Technology degrees, one in Computer and Information Technologies, another in Medical and Health Services Management and a third in Operations Management. The college also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Since its inception, South Texas College has grown from 1,000 students to an enrollment of 27,997 in Fall 2022 and has conferred more than 80,000 degrees and certificates. 

Accreditation

South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Baccalaureate and Associate degrees. South Texas College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of South Texas College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (https://sacscoc.org/).

South Texas College's offerings are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. It is also approved for veterans' educational training in Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree programs by the Texas Education Agency.