Del Mar College in Corpus Christi was founded in 1935, and has a total enrollment of approximately 21,000 students each year. More than 95 percent of the students come from Corpus Christi and the surrounding area, and nearly 60 percent of the student population is Hispanic. Del Mar College grants associate degrees in arts and sciences, including fields such as art/drama, communications, English, math and physics, and natural and social sciences. In addition, classes are offered in more than 140 occupational fields.
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, which has locations in Corpus Christi and four other cities, specializes in technical and vocational training. Areas of study include health care, automotive repair, welding and air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. In order to be admitted to South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, students must have a diploma from an accredited high school or the equivalent, such as a GED. Various financial assistance options are available to students who qualify. More than 18,000 students have graduated from South Texas Vocational Technical Institute during its history of more than 30 years. Graduate employment assistance is offered by the Institute.
Southern Careers Institute is an educational institution in Corpus Christi that offers programs of study in medical and business fields as well as in cosmetology. The medical programs train students to work as medical assistants, pharmacy technicians and specialists in medical billing and coding. The business programs at Southern Careers Institute train students to work as administrative assistants and business accounting specialists. The school's cosmetology courses of study are cosmetology operator, cosmetology instructor, manicure technician and esthetician specialist. Some programs require less than one year of study, and others require less than two years.
Kaplan College in Corpus Christi has several programs geared toward working adults seeking a career change. Five programs in the health industry are offered: dental assistant, medical assistant, medical office specialist, medical practice management and patient care assistant. Kaplan College also offers programs in criminal justice and vocational nursing. In addition to flexible class schedules, Kaplan also has a wide array of financial aid programs available to students who qualify.