Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies
General Information
Overview
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies (VGI) is a private, non‑profit vocational school located in Weslaco, Texas, with a strong focus on healthcare training. Established to serve the Rio Grande Valley region, the Institute offers career-driven certificate programs that prepare students for practical roles in allied health. VGI emphasizes hands‑on, technical education designed to meet local workforce needs.
Its mission centers on empowering students through a nurturing learning environment, integrating innovation, integrity, and service into its curriculum. With a compact campus consisting of multiple classroom buildings and labs, VGI provides students with the opportunity to train in real-world medical settings, such as EKG, x-ray, and allied health labs. The school is committed to delivering accessible education, community engagement, and practical skill development to support both personal growth and regional healthcare demands.
Contact Information
Address: 345 S. Texas Boulevard, Weslaco, Texas, USA
Phone Number: (956) 973‑1945
Email Address: Not explicitly listed; prospective students are encouraged to contact the main phone number or visit the campus.
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1992 |
| Type | Private, non‑profit vocational / career institute |
| Motto / Mission | “Dedicated to providing excellence through a sense of pride, creativity, and innovation” |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Approximately 11 : 1 |
Valley Grande Institute Rankings
| Region | Recognition / Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | Among “Private, Less-Than-2-Years Colleges” in Texas; graduation rate (~88%) is higher than many peers, though tuition is relatively high for similarly sized vocational schools |
| Global | As a small, specialized vocational institute, VGI does not typically appear in global university or college rankings; its reputation is strongest within local and regional healthcare training communities |
Valley Grande Institute Academics
Valley Grande Institute Faculties / Departments
- Vocational Nursing / Licensed Practical Nurse Program
- Radiologic Technology / Radiography
- Medical / Clinical Assistant
- Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Aide
- Medical Insurance Coding / Health Information
Valley Grande Institute Courses and Programs / Majors
- Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN) Certificate (approx. 13 months)
- Radiologic Technology / Radiographer Certificate (2‑year)
- Medical / Clinical Assistant Certificate (1‑year)
- Nursing Assistant / Patient Care Aide Certificate (shorter program)
- Medical Insurance Coding Specialist Certificate
Online Learning
Valley Grande Institute does not currently offer online or distance‑learning programs for its certificate courses. All training is conducted on campus, reflecting the hands‑on, technical nature of its healthcare programs. Evening and weekend schedules may be available for some programs, but the core training requires in-person attendance.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Benchmark / Requirement |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not publicly reported; emphasis is on practical readiness rather than standardized test scores |
| GPA | Specific GPA ranges are not widely published; admissions emphasize prerequisite education and career readiness rather than academic metrics |
Retention and Graduation Rates
VGI has a reported graduation rate of 88%, which is high for a vocational institute. Its retention rate is lower, at 18%, suggesting that some students do not continue from term to term. This may reflect challenges in vocational education or differences in program structure reporting.
Valley Grande Institute Admissions
GPA Range and Standardized Test Range
Admissions to VGI do not rely heavily on traditional academic metrics like high school GPA, SAT, or ACT scores. The Institute evaluates applicants based on practical readiness, prior education, and commitment to healthcare training.
Valley Grande Institute Acceptance Rate
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Overall Admissions | Specific acceptance rate data is not publicly reported; vocational schools often have open or less selective admissions depending on program capacity |
Valley Grande Institute Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete an application through VGI’s admissions office, submit high school transcripts or equivalent, and meet program-specific prerequisites such as science coursework for nursing. The process may include an interview or assessment to ensure readiness for intensive, hands-on training. Background checks or health-related documentation may be required for clinical programs.
Application Process
- Fill out and submit the application form through the admissions office.
- Provide proof of prior education (high school diploma, GED, or equivalent).
- Submit any required letters of recommendation or personal information.
- Participate in any assessments or interviews needed to confirm program fit.
- Upon acceptance, enroll in the chosen certificate program and complete enrollment paperwork, including financial aid forms if necessary.
Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline | Event |
|---|---|
| Varies | Application and enrollment cycles differ by program; prospective students should contact the admissions office for start dates |
| Rolling / Term-Based | Multiple entry points may be available each year for different programs |
Essay Prompt
VGI does not require a traditional essay prompt. Applicants may submit a short personal statement describing their interest in healthcare, previous experience, or career goals, especially for nursing or medical assisting programs.
Valley Grande Institute Scholarships
Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, and other assistance. Over 99% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average aid amount of approximately $5,820 per year. This helps reduce the financial burden for students pursuing healthcare careers.
Valley Grande Institute Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate / Certificate Programs | Tuition & fees approx. $24,451 per year |
| Cost of Attendance (Off-Campus) | Estimated total cost including tuition, books, and living expenses: $37,644 per year |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
VGI has 180 students enrolled in undergraduate certificate programs. The gender distribution is 31 male and 149 female students. The age distribution includes students under 25 and a substantial number over 30.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
More than 99% of students receive financial aid, indicating a significant portion likely come from lower- to moderate-income backgrounds. Specific reporting on students with disabilities is limited; however, vocational programs maintain accommodations consistent with accreditation and state standards.
Student Body Breakdown
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 180 |
| Men | 31 (17.22%) |
| Women | 149 (82.78%) |
| Hispanic / Latino | 170 (≈94%) |
| Black / African American | 2 (≈1.1%) |
| White | 6 (≈3.3%) |
University Diversity
VGI’s student body reflects the local Rio Grande Valley community, with a high proportion of Hispanic or Latino students. This demographic alignment supports the Institute’s mission to provide accessible vocational training in healthcare for local populations. The gender imbalance, with far more women, aligns with the healthcare field, which often attracts female students. While small in size, VGI creates a supportive, community-oriented learning environment, fostering practical skills and workforce readiness.
Average Earnings
The average earnings for VGI graduates 10 years after graduation is approximately $32,000 per year. Graduates typically enter allied health, licensed practical nursing, or medical assistant roles, offering stable employment. The Institute focuses on credential attainment and workforce entry rather than high-earning potential, aligning with its vocational mission.
Valley Grande Institute Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
VGI employs instructors with healthcare experience and teaching credentials. Faculty oversee classroom labs, clinical simulations, and mentoring. Administrative staff manage admissions, financial aid, student services, and campus operations, supporting students’ academic and personal growth.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members bring practical experience in vocational healthcare fields, including licensed vocational nursing and radiography. They focus on bridging theory with hands-on training, preparing students for certification exams and real-world clinical environments. Research is not a primary focus; the emphasis is on teaching, mentorship, and community impact.
Valley Grande Institute Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus includes four buildings: three classroom/lab buildings and one administration building. Classrooms feature fully equipped labs for EKG and X-ray training. There is no on-campus housing; students arrange off-campus accommodations. The campus provides a resource center, lounges, and computer labs to support learning and student interaction.
Transportation
The campus is located in downtown Weslaco. Students typically commute via local transportation or personal vehicles. Parking is available, and the campus layout allows easy walking between classrooms, labs, and administrative offices. The vocational focus means students live off-campus while participating in in-person training.