Business Administrationat South Texas College
Graduates earn $31,973/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Business Administration average. Base-case 10-year earnings $494K; scenarios range from $463K to $494K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at South Texas College
The earnings data for this program reflects the unique economic landscape of the Rio Grande Valley. McAllen's labor market, while growing, typically features a lower cost of living and, consequently, lower starting salaries for general business roles compared to major metropolitan hubs. Many graduates likely find immediate employment in local retail management, logistics coordination, or administrative positions within regional businesses and public services, fulfilling a vital need for the community. The program provides a practical foundation for these entry-level local opportunities. However, the high-level career paths listed are often national averages for more experienced professionals; reaching those salary levels typically requires significant career progression, advanced degrees, or relocating to higher-wage markets. To maximize your earning potential, actively seek internships with larger regional employers, network diligently within local industry, and consider specializing or pursuing further education after gaining initial experience.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to South Texas College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Business Administration
How South Texas College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at South Texas College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at South Texas College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Business Administration offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Business Administration trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Business Administration at South Texas College
How does South Texas College's Business Administration program score?
A score of 55/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but South Texas College trails the majority of Business Administration programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Business Administration to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Business Administration careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Business Administration earnings lower at South Texas College?
Lower starting pay at South Texas College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Business Administration at South Texas College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $19,680, but the average net cost is $5,164 — a 74% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.