What is Southern Technical College Known For?
Southern Technical College is a career-focused educational institution known for its programs in allied health, the skilled trades, nursing, and veterinary sciences. The institution has campuses in Brandon, Fort Myers, Orlando, Port Charlotte, and Tampa.
They offer a personalized and flexible educational experience through day and evening classes and an education relevant to current market demands. Southern Technical College additionally provides generous financial aid, accepting and offering a variety of scholarships to those who qualify.
Is it Legit?
The Fort Meyers branch of Southern Technical College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and diplomas. The Orlando, Auburndale, Brandon, Port Charlotte, Sanford, and Tampa branches are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Commission additionally licenses the institution for Independent Education of the Florida Department of Education.
Southern Technical College’s programs additionally boast specific accreditation. The school’s Associate of Science Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Southern Technical College’s Associate of Applied Science degree for Surgical Technician training is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Schools (ABHES). Lastly, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).
Is Southern Technical College Worth It?
Southern Technical College strives to provide students with an education that enables them to pursue successful careers and enriched lives. The institution bases its programs’ curriculum on market demands and employers’ skills requests for entry-level job positions.
It provides students with knowledge relevant to growing industries and access to curriculum, technology, and faculty in touch with industry needs. The institution prioritizes students’ success through efficiency, offering flexible class times and accepting transfer credits to help students complete their education effectively and optimally.
Southern Technical College does more than equip students with a stellar education, with career services advisors that guide students through resume building and interview preparation, granting them success both in seeking employment and developing their professional roles.
Southern Technical College vs. Community College
Students of the Southern Technical College have a competitive advantage compared to students who undergo a traditional community college route. Having the opportunity to take both day and evening classes, STC students can complete their degrees and diplomas on their terms, potentially even more quickly than at a community college, through flexible class times that mold to their busy schedules.
The institution additionally boasts small class sizes, providing students with the one-on-one support they may need to excel that other institutions may not offer. Southern Technical College is additionally an accredited institution, ensuring that the institution operates with students’ best interests in mind. Southern Technical College boasts a highly-trained faculty of industry professionals with the skills necessary to support students in and out of the classroom.
The institution additionally offers career and financial aid services to help students’ financial success during and after their time at Southern Tech.
Acceptance Rate
Southern Technical College has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
The total tuition for programs at Southern Technical College ranges from $9,600 to $44,100. Most programs are completed anywhere between 12 to 24 months–consequently, the average annual cost of attendance for Southern Technical College students ranges between $4,500 and $22,000.
Southern Technical College accepts federal financial aid in the form of loans and grants, as well as accepting military benefits and external scholarships. The school additionally has financial aid plans for students who qualify.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Though campus hours range slightly depending on the campus, Southern Technical College’s campus facilities are typically available to students from 9 AM to 8 PM, Mondays through Thursdays, 9 AM to 5 PM on Fridays, and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Assisting
- Sonography
- Surgical Technologist
HVAC & Building Services
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Welding
Business
- Business Management
Veterinary Assisting
- Associates Degree
Campus Locations
Auburndale, FL 450 Havendale Blvd., Auburndale, FL 33823
Brandon, FL 608 East Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL 33511
Fort Myers, FL 1685 Medical Ln., Fort Myers, FL 33907
Orlando, FL 1485 Florida Mall Ave., Orlando, FL 32809
Port Charlotte, FL 950 Tamiami Trl., #109, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Sanford, FL 2910 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773
Tampa, FL 3910 Riga Blvd., Tampa, FL 33619
Financial Aid Services
Experts help applicants navigate their funding options at Southern Technical College. There are a number of financial aid choices for which people may qualify at the federal level. Examples include Pell grants, FSEOGs, direct loans, and parent loans. The staff continues to answer questions about repayment for alumni.
Career Services
Candidates could start by taking the Career Training Readiness Quiz. This gives them an idea of what they might pursue at Southern Technical College. Students then link up with local employers through internships, externships, and recruitment events. Both undergraduates and alumni can attend career fairs as well.
Veteran and Military Services
The state has approved Southern Technical College’s programs for former military members. Those interested may contact the school for more information. Veterans’ education benefits and assistance are available to cover costs. Attendees coordinate these services through the VA.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Southern Technical College (STC) – Auburndale is highly praised for its supportive staff, quality instructors, and effective GED program, but it struggles with administrative disorganization, poor communication, and heavy sales pressure regarding its high tuition costs.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Supportive Staff/Instructors: The most common praise is directed at the friendly, caring, and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. Instructors are frequently described as “awesome,” taking the time to help students with learning challenges (like ADHD), and treating students like “part of the Southern Tech family.” Specific support roles, including the librarian and career services, are noted as being very helpful in resume building and job searching (e.g., HVAC).
Outstanding GED Program: The GED program is a major standout, with multiple reviews crediting a specific instructor for providing immense support, helping students who struggled with English or learning disabilities, and achieving high pass rates within just three months. This program is often cited as a reason for recommending the school.
Smooth Admissions Process: Many students report a smooth, fast, and helpful start to their journey, with admissions staff ensuring they felt welcomed and were able to enroll without unnecessary delays.
Practical and Hands-On Learning: Students appreciate that classes are “to the point” with a strong emphasis on hands-on training within their field, preparing them for the “real world setting” of their jobs.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Organizational Failures: The school is heavily criticized for poor organization and failing to communicate vital program information. Students report not being informed of important program aspects until the last month, and feeling that the school does not pay attention to what students are experiencing during the program.
High Cost and Sales Pressure: Several reviewers state the tuition is “ridiculous” (e.g., $33,500 for a program). More critically, prospective students complain of feeling “very pressured to enroll” and receiving “nonstop calls” even after asking them to stop, suggesting a highly aggressive sales environment in the admissions process.
Inconsistent Education Quality and Instructor Retention: Recent complaints point to a potential decline in education quality, with one student reporting that teachers “don’t seem to stay long.” Another account describes an entire class failing to understand the material because the instructor could not properly explain or break down the subject matter.
Lack of Campus Space: A minor but noted criticism is the desire for more campus space for labs and classrooms to support the hands-on nature of the programs.
Momentum
The most recent reviews (within the last few months) show a worrying trend: while compliments for the friendly atmosphere and smooth enrollment persist, they are now directly balanced by sharp criticisms regarding organizational disarray, poor communication, and a perceived decline in instructor stability and education quality. This suggests that while STC has historically built a strong reputation on its supportive teaching and staff, these new operational and quality control issues are starting to undermine the student experience, particularly in the later stages of the program.