Education & Healthcare

South Texas Independent School District

South Texas Independent School District is a specialized school district that focuses its 4 magnet high schools on Business, Education, Medicine, and Science Technology education. It provides students with an excellent scholastic program and hands-on training in various professional careers giving students a head start on college education and careers in the fields of medicine and science. The District’s student body is comprised of students from throughout the Rio Grande Valley area. South Texas ISD has received many national awards, been ranked by Newsweek magazine as the 21st best high school in the nation, been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 38th Best High School in the nation and has 100% college bound graduates in 2014.

Mercedes Independent School District

Mercedes Independent School District’s mission is to work together with the students, parents, teachers, and administrators to develop excellence in education. Mercedes ISD recognizes that education is the key to a successful future and is dedicated to developing strong moral leaders for the 21st century. By setting high standards, the school district plays a crucial role in preparing students to meet the challenges and demands of future high-tech, multi-cultural work places. Students have the opportunity to enroll in challenging and rigorous courses through the Advanced Placement (AP) program. The district offers Pre-AP and AP courses in every core subject and qualifying seniors are able to earn college credit through concurrent enrollment courses with local universities.

University of Texas-Pan American

UTPA is located in Edinburg, Texas, less than 30 miles West of Mercedes. Since its inception in 1927, The University of Texas-Pan American has conferred over 2,600 associate’s, 50,400 bachelor’s, 10,800 master’s and 100 doctoral degrees.

UTPA provides an affordable education and global opportunities with a choice of 57 bachelor’s, 57 master’s, three doctoral, and two cooperative doctoral programs within 7 colleges.

According to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education 2010, UTPA is among the top 100 best U.S. colleges for Hispanics.

University of Texas at Brownsville

University of Texas at Brownsville offers 80 undergraduate degree and certificate programs ranging from business administration to English. It also offers 21 masters degree programs in areas of nursing, education, and engineering.

In addition to our programs of study, UTB has several centers for excellence in research, over 72 student organizations, national conference athletic champions in addition to a nationally-recognized chess program.

Texas State Technical College

Texas State Technical College offers technical training programs geared to meet the demands of local industry and retail needs. TSTC provides associate degrees and certificate paths that can provide a quick route to a great career! TSTC offers a high-quality education at an affordable price in an extensive variety of programs in areas of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Health Sciences, Hospitality & Tourism, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics and more.

TSTC currently offers more than 50 degrees and certificates.

South Texas College

South Texas College offers more than 112 degree and certificate program options, including associate degrees in a variety of art, science, technology and allied health fields of study. The college also offers 20 online associate degrees options through the eSTC Virtual Campus. Certificates of Completion offered include bookkeeping, automotive mechanics, industrial maintenance mechanics, and nursing assistant.

South Texas College also offers customized training to area businesses, industries and the community. Training programs are tailored to a client’s specific needs in terms of content, schedule and location. STC has a unique industrial start up program designed to reduce training costs of new or expanding industries.

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University offers a Doctoral Degree in Leadership Studies, Master’s Degrees in Businessand Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems and Security in the Rio Grande Valley at our La Feria location. Offered through OLLU’s Weekend College program, classes meet eight times per term, every other Saturday. The weekend format allows for a balance of work, study and family time.

The Weekend program in La Feria is possible through a partnership with the La Feria Independent School District. Classes are held at a La Feria ISD facility. Click here for more information.

Knapp Medical Center

Knapp Medical Center offers Mercedes a local specialized full service hospital and is considered one of the Valley’s most distinguished medical centers. Knapp Medical Center, as part of Prime Healthcare Services, is one of the Top 15 Health Systems in the Nation based on quality of care, efficiency and patient satisfaction. Knapp is a designated Level III Trauma Center by the Texas Department of State Health Services and certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. Knapp is committed to providing state-of-the-art technology, progressive diagnostic and treatment options, and patient-focused care, as well as implementing health education programs that focus on health maintenance and illness prevention.

Additionally, within a 20-minute drive, healthcare choices are abundant with seven major hospitals to choose from including the region’s top-level trauma center, a heart hospital and a children’s hospital. These include Valley Baptist Medical Center, Harlingen Medical Center, McAllen Medical Center, McAllen Heart Hospital, Rio Grande Regional Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance.