(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Out of all the questions that Laura Kelner gets as the student accounting coordinator at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus, the most common is “How do I pay for school?”
TSTC operates with the ideology that a good education can, and should, land you a high-paying job. To get to that point, however, requires an investment, one that Kelner and others strive to mitigate.
“We do what we can to help people afford school,” Kelner said. “Emergency tuition loans. Guiding them (students) toward scholarships. Our Money-Back Guarantee on certain courses. All of it is to help the student.”
Being able to earn an associate degree or a certification in a technical field can change the course of a life. Kelner finds that those who obtain a certificate of completion through a year of study at TSTC are much more likely to find a job, and a well-paying one at that.
The numbers back her sentiment up. At the Fort Bend County campus, summer 2023 graduates saw an 87% employment rate. Spring 2023 graduates saw an even higher rate of 93%.
“It’s the demand,” said Brian Weakley, an instructor in the Industrial Systems program. “It’s serious money because there aren’t as many techs out there. People are starting to recognize technical colleges over four-year universities.”
Financial difficulties are a real concern for many. But to Kelner, the benefits far outweigh the costs. And TSTC is primed to help students achieve their dreams in both their careers and finances.
“Don’t let the finances be what holds you back,” Kelner said. “There are multiple ways to get through college. You just have to put forth the effort.”
Nine programs at TSTC are a part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a participating graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation. For more information, visit tstc.edu/mbg.
