With seven locations across Texas and an online program, Southern Careers Institute (SCI) focuses on vocational training. The school offers courses in welding, HVAC, the medical field, and several other job paths. Attendees can earn national and state recognized certifications.
What is The Southern Careers Institute Known For?
The Southern Careers Institute (SCI) has been a leader in quality vocational training for over 60 years since its founding in 1960. The institute is committed to closing the talent skills gap by empowering individuals with new careers while maintaining the highest education and business standards.
The SCI takes pride in offering tailored programs to individual students, ensuring they are marketable in their chosen fields. With campuses in various Texas locations and online, SCI offers diverse programs in business, cosmetology, allied healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, making it a comprehensive and respected provider of career-focused education.
Is it Legit?
The Council on Occupational Education accredits the Southern Careers Institute (SCI). The SCI has earned recognition from additional esteemed institutions, including approval from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Workforce Commission for Career Schools and Colleges.
Moreover, specific programs at SCI, such as those in cosmetology, the Nurse Aide program, and the Pharmacy Technician program, meet the stringent requirements enabling students to sit for licensure exams in Texas.
Is The Southern Careers Institute Worth It?
The Southern Careers Institute stands out as a worthwhile investment in career-focused education. With 8 campuses and robust online learning options, the SCI doesn’t cut corners on either accessibility or flexibility. The institute offers 20 career-focused programs and 40 industry-preferred certifications, ensuring students are equipped with relevant skills for success in the workforce.
The SCI’s commitment to financial aid, military assistance, and comprehensive career planning services underscores its dedication to supporting students on their educational journey. The diverse campuses, array of programs, and extensive support services collectively make the SCI a valuable choice for those seeking a practical and effective pathway to a successful career.
The Southern Careers Institute vs. Community College
Attending The Southern Careers Institute can give students a leg up compared to their community college or traditional vocational school counterparts. The Southern Careers Institute’s programs are specifically designed to equip students with career training, enabling them to earn multiple certifications and stand out among graduates from other accredited colleges. The school strongly emphasizes hireability, tailoring education to meet industry demands. Both online and in-person campus options provide flexibility to accommodate diverse learning preferences. The Southern Careers Institute also offers financial aid, making education accessible and ensuring students can pursue their career goals without financial barriers. These factors collectively position the institution as a premier choice for those seeking practical, career-focused education.
Acceptance Rate
The Southern Careers Institute has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Tuition at the Southern Careers Institute ranges based on the program. Certificates may cost around $1,200 for the whole program, whereas diplomas, ranging from 27 to 48 credit hours, may cost between $5,230 and $22,100 for the complete program.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Though hours may vary slightly depending on the campus location, the Southern Careers Institute’s campuses are generally open from 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM on Fridays, and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
Additionally, the institution’s online branch is available to enrolled students 24/7.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Assisting
Business
- Administrative Assistant
- Accounting
Beauty
- Cosmetology
- Nail Care
Computers & Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
Automotive
- Automotive Technician
HVAC & Building Services
- HVAC
Construction & Architecture
- Welding
Trucking & Transportation
- CDL
Campus Locations
Austin, TX 1701 W. Ben White Blvd., Ste 100, Austin, Texas 78704
Brownsville, TX 935 North Expy., Southwind Shopping Center, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Corpus Christi, TX 2422 Airline Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Harlingen, TX 1122 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen, TX 78550
Pharr, TX 1500 North Jackson Rd., Pharr, TX 78577
San Antonio, TX (North) 6963 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238
San Antonio, TX (South) 238 Southwest Military Dr., Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78221
Waco, TX 3700 S IH 35 Suite #100 Waco, TX 76706
Financial Aid Services
SCI employs a staff of financial aid officers to help applicants determine their eligibility. A student may qualify for the institute’s grants, scholarships, or other tuition assistance. Federal programs, such as Pell Grants, are also possible for qualifying candidates.
Career Services
Attendees have access to SCI connect. In the portal, each student creates a profile that includes a resume and skill badges. They can even upload videos that show them performing job tasks. Employers who partner with the school use this function to post open jobs to users. Southern Careers Institute publishes a blog for helpful articles and career information as well.
Veteran and Military Services
Active duty and former armed forces members may be eligible for funding at Southern Careers Institute. Dependents of personnel could also qualify for military assistance programs. The staff is available to guide applicants through the paperwork and the process.
Alumni Services
Former students will find many resources after graduating. Alumni can offer support to current and future attendees. The SCI Alumni Association helps graduates in need through mentoring. Aid is available to make sure grads succeed in their chosen trades.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Southern Careers Institute (SCI) in Austin, TX, is viewed as a highly supportive and accessible career-focused school that excels in enrollment and online resources, but faces significant and recurring operational issues in its hands-on programs like CDL and Welding.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Enrollment and Support Staff: The most frequent praise is for the admissions process, described as “smooth,” “very informative,” and “easy.” Specific admissions staff are credited with being “Amazing,” attentive, and helpful, making prospective students feel comfortable and supported from the start.
Accessible and Flexible Learning: Students consistently praise the ease of use of the online system, access to resources, and the flexibility to choose class times and work on their own schedule. This format makes it manageable for working students or those balancing other responsibilities.
Supportive Professors and Communication: Students highlight that professors and advisors are “very attentive” and maintain consistent communication (via text or email). This high level of support is noted as crucial for student success, especially in online programs like Medical Billing and Coding.
Strong Sense of Community: Many reviewers recommend the school for its “amazing community.” Students feel everyone is friendly, supportive, and “looks out for each other,” creating a positive environment for big career steps.
Successful Program Completion: Alumni frequently share their success in completing programs like Medical Billing and Coding and Healthcare Management, stating they feel well-served by the curriculum.
Common Criticisms
Operational Instability in Hands-On Programs (Welding/CDL): This is the most serious and recurring criticism. Students in the Welding and CDL programs report significant and disruptive operational issues, including instructor instability (loss of multiple instructors, one reportedly arrested), a lack of necessary equipment, and misleading information regarding the actual length of the CDL program.
Momentum
The positive momentum is sustained through continuous praise for the enrollment process, flexibility, and supportive staff across various programs. However, recent reviews (within the last few weeks to months) introduce specific, highly negative, and detailed complaints about the instructor instability and operational deficits within the hands-on trade programs (Welding and CDL). This indicates a strong internal divide in the student experience: administrative and online services appear excellent, while the delivery of certain in-person, technical training is reportedly suffering from systemic issues. The company’s quick, personalized, and apologetic responses to these specific operational complaints demonstrate a direct awareness of these issues.