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Mci
McAllen, Texas · Private for-profit career school
Address: 304 South Colonel Rowe Boulevard, McAllen, TX 78501 · Phone: (956) 618-5800 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
MCI is a private for-profit trade school in McAllen, Texas offering welding and plumbing programs, accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.
MCI has an 84.0% completion rate, above the Texas state average of 63.5%, and graduates carry a median debt of $9,500, per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Median earnings 10 years after entry are not reported for this campus.
Annual cost of attendance at MCI is $22,311, and the school accepts federal financial aid including FAFSA and Pell Grants. About 96.5% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers | $38,380 | $53,340 | $64,770 |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters | $38,270 | $59,840 | $74,100 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in Texas (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 1–2 years | 106 | not reported | not reported | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, under 300 hours | 10 | not reported | not reported | $9,500 |
| Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 7 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
MCI (McAllen Careers Institute) is a private for-profit trade school located in McAllen, Texas, in a midsize city. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and participates in federal financial aid programs (Title IV), meaning eligible students can use FAFSA, Pell Grants, and federal loans to help pay for their education. The campus's programs fall mainly under welding and plumbing, with top program areas being welding schools (116 completers) and plumbing schools (7 completers).
According to federal data, MCI has a completion rate of 84.0%, which is above the Texas state average of 63.5%. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $9,500. Median earnings 10 years after entry are not reported for this campus in federal data. The annual cost of attendance is $22,311, and 96.5% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the student population is largely low-income.
Based on the program families offered — welding and plumbing — this campus appears geared toward students seeking shorter, hands-on trade training rather than multi-year associate degrees, which may suit adult career-changers looking for a faster path into skilled trades, though specific program lengths are not stated here. Prospective students should verify accreditation status directly with the Council on Occupational Education and review official outcome data through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard before enrolling.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
MCI offers programs primarily in welding schools (116 completers) and plumbing schools (7 completers), across 3 total programs.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, MCI is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and its accreditation status is listed as Accredited.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, MCI participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, so students can use FAFSA and Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
MCI has a completion rate of 84.0%, which is above the Texas state average of 63.5%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates typically carry a median debt of $9,500.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school or check the College Scorecard link for updates.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
The annual cost of attendance is $22,311.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
MCI is a private for-profit school, which can affect tuition costs, ownership incentives, and financial aid rules compared to public or non-profit institutions.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program lengths are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school at (956) 618-5800 or visit its website for details.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation through the Council on Occupational Education and review federal outcome data via the College Scorecard at https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?493549.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The program families offered (welding, plumbing) suggest a hands-on, trade-focused setting, but specific program lengths or scheduling for working adults are not reported for this campus in federal data.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing requirements are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school directly to confirm certification or licensure pathways for welding or plumbing.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can contact MCI by phone at (956) 618-5800 or visit its website at https://www.mcallencareersinstitute.edu/ to learn about applying.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data with other nearby schools is not reported for this campus in federal data; check the College Scorecard for other institutions in the McAllen area.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.