PSJA ISD Sets New Record with 807 Early College Graduates in Class of 2026 

Students earn associate degrees, certifications, and save millions in college tuition before high school graduation 

EDINBURG, TX – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) has set a new record with a total of 807 Early College prospective graduates across the Fall and Spring semesters for the 2025–2026 school year, further solidifying its leadership in college and career readiness. 

A total of 633 PSJA ISD Early College students participated in the South Texas College (STC) Spring Commencement Ceremony held May 8, 2026, at the Bert Ogden Arena. 

Of the 807 students, 547 earned Associate Degrees in fields such as Mathematics, Biology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Criminal Justice, Computer Science, and Education. An additional 260 students earned Industry-Based Certifications or College Certificates in high-demand, high-wage fields through the PSJA Academies, positioning them for immediate entry into the workforce. 

Through its strong partnership with South Texas College, PSJA ISD students have collectively saved an estimated $96 million in college tuition since 2013, significantly reducing financial barriers and accelerating pathways to higher education and careers. 

All six comprehensive high schools in the district are designated Early College campuses and several offer P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) programs, providing students with structured pathways that integrate high school, college coursework, and workforce readiness. Through these models, students have the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours or a full associate degree at no cost while also gaining industry-aligned skills and certifications. 

“It feels rewarding to have earned my Associate Degree today,” said PSJA ISD Class of 2026 Early College graduate Noah Castillo. “This has been four years in the making with PSJA allowing us to have this opportunity; in the end, all the hard work paid off.” 

According to the 2025 TAPR report, 18% of PSJA ISD graduates earned an associate degree, far exceeding regional (7%) and state (3%) averages. PSJA ISD continues to lead both the region and the state in the number of students graduating with associate degrees while still in high school, reflecting the strength and scale of its nationally recognized Early College Program. 

“We are incredibly proud of our students for reaching this milestone,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias. “Balancing college coursework, high school responsibilities, and extracurricular activities requires discipline and focus. Our students continue to prove that it can be done at a high level. This achievement reflects the commitment of our educators, the support of our families, and the opportunities we are providing across the district.” 

The PSJA Early College Program continues to expand access to higher education while delivering measurable outcomes for students and families across the cities of Pharr, San Juan, and Alamo and the Rio Grande Valley. 

“This record reflects years of intentional work to build systems that support students in earning college credentials while in high school,” said Dr. Linda Uribe, PSJA ISD Executive Officer for College Readiness. “Our students are not only meeting expectations, they are exceeding them at a level that is leading the region and the state. This is about access, but more importantly, it is about outcomes.” 

To learn more about PSJA ISD programs and opportunities, visit www.psjaisd.us/whypsja 

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