- Southwestern Community College exists in order that Area XIV community members have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge sufficient for successful employment, higher education achievement, or adult and continuing education.
School Highlights
Southwestern Community College serves 1,566 students (37% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 27:1 is lower than the state community college average of 30:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 32%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,566 students
- In-state tuition: $4,800
- Out-state tuition: $5,010
- Student-teacher ratio: 27:1
- Minority enrollment: 15%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 58 teachers has declined by 67% over five years.
Southwestern Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
58 staff
18 staff
Student Body
The student population of Southwestern Community College has declined by 19% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 27:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The Southwestern Community College diversity score of 0.27 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,566 students
1,532 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
27:1
30:1
# Full-Time Students
582 students
165 students
# Part-Time Students
984 students
1,367 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
106 students
23 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
582 students
165 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
984 students
1,466 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
221 students
411 students
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
6%
9%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
85%
68%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
2%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
9%
Diversity Score
0.27
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
52%
55%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,100
$32,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,800 is more than the state average of $4,331. The in-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,010 is more than the state average of $4,920. The out-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,800
$4,331
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,010
$4,920
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
87%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Within Arts & Sciences, you can earn the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree. The A.A. degree is primarily a general education degree intended for transfer to a four-year institution. The A.S. degree is designed for students preparing to enter the job market, but may also transfer to a four-year institution. The objective of the Vocational/Technical programs is to provide instruction of a preparatory type in the development of basic skills, safety, technical knowledge, and related information for the purpose of preparing persons for employment. Student Support Service program offers academic support, counseling services and cultural enrichment activities to students who are first generation in college, low-income or have a disability. The focus of Educational Talent Search (ETS) is to encourage and assist students to reach their academic and personal goals by helping them stay in school, enroll in a post-secondary school of their choice or help them complete the GED.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwestern Community College cost?
Southwestern Community College's tuition is approximately $4,800 for In-State students and $5,010 for Out-State students.
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