STC was created in 1993 to serve Hidalgo and Starr counties and has campuses in McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City, among others. Its dual-credit program is a big part of how Valley students reach college: Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD reported in February 2026 that its families have saved more than $96 million in tuition through STC dual credit since 2013.
Private schools can partner too. In January 2025 STC announced that Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen had become its newest dual-credit partner, with 22 sophomores and juniors enrolled and a first group on track to finish an associate degree.
For homeschoolers, STC's published rules allow a homeschooled student who is at least 16 to enroll in regular course sections, after meeting admission requirements, Texas Success Initiative readiness standards and a 2.0 GPA minimum. The spring 2027 admission deadline is January 8, 2027.
College tuition and fees are an approved TEFA use. A family on the $2,000 homeschool account, or a private-school family with a balance left over, can apply that money to STC courses.
Combining it with other sources
Valley families rarely rely on one source. This one generally combines with the school's own discounts and scholarships and with at least one other source on our list. The funding check works out the right mix for your child.