Business Operations Support at South Texas College

McAllen, TX · Public · Certificate · Business Operations Support and Assistant Services

with a mid-sized student body of 16,131 in McAllen, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $16,475 place South Texas College below the $26,180 national median for Business Operations Support — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 36.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Business Operations Support career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #133 ranking among 155 Business Operations Support programs places South Texas College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Business Operations Support reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
50
Score
54
High End
Earnings $16,475/yr (-37% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (33% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (1,381,100 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$189K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
38.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
14 of 18
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$4,920
Out-of-state: $7,500

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Business Operations Support graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Business operations specialists, all other $81,270 +3.0% 48%
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants $74,260 -1.6% 35%
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers $66,140 -0.3% 51%
Business operations specialists, all other
$81,270
+3.0% growth 48% AI-proof
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants
$74,260
-1.6% growth 35% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
$66,140
-0.3% growth 51% AI-proof

View all 18 career paths with full salary data →

Business Operations Support Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Business Operations Support careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering business & office.

Read the full Business Operations Support career guide →

Compare & Explore

Business Operations Support Overview

Business Operations Support at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Texas College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Business Operations Support at South Texas College?
This program scores 50/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Business Operations Support programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI affect Business Operations Support careers?
Our scenarios model 67% of Business Operations Support tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. South Texas College's 50/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Can you still earn well with Business Operations Support from 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.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Business Operations Support program at South Texas College?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Business Operations Support. For students weighing South Texas College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the job market like for Business Operations Support from South Texas College?
At 1,381,100 annual openings, Business Operations Support has a very large employment base. South Texas College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →