- Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) students, parents, friends and families, people from the Big Spring community and state leaders have also contributed to what SWCID is today. Special recognition should be given to Dr. Robert C. Mehan who had a significant impact during the formative years of SWCID to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing cultures. Dr. Mehan, as then Director of Pupil Personnel Services at the Texas School for he Deaf, first influenced SWCID with his membership on the SWCID Advisory Committee in 1982. He then joined SWCID as Dean of Instruction on October 1, 1983, moving to the main campus of Howard College during the 1984-85 academic years where he served as HC Vice-President for Instruction. During the next six years, he worked closely with the SWCID and HC administration, faculty and staff in an effort to align the communication and education efforts between the HC and SWCID campuses.
School Highlights
Southwest College for the Deaf serves 47 students (77% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 6:1 is lower than the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 84% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 75%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 47 students
- In-state tuition: $3,512
- Out-state tuition: $12,572
- Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
- Minority enrollment: 84%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Southwest College for the Deaf ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 8 teachers has declined by 79% over five years.
Southwest College for the Deaf
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
8 staff
73 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
8
Student Body
The student population of Southwest College for the Deaf has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 6:1 has increased from 2:1 over five years.
The Southwest College for the Deaf diversity score of 0.76 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
47 students
4,221 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
34:1
# Full-Time Students
36 students
869 students
# Part-Time Students
11 students
3,352 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
42 students
363 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
36 students
837 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
39 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
11 students
3,377 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
39 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
52 students
252 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
n/a
% Asian
4%
6%
% Hispanic
39%
47%
% Black
7%
13%
% White
16%
25%
% Hawaiian
22%
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
2%
% Non Resident races
4%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.76
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
50%
54%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,400
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,512 is more than the state average of $3,340. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $12,572 is more than the state average of $5,798. The out-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,512
$3,340
Out-State Tuition Fees
$12,572
$5,798
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,274
$10,630
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwest College for the Deaf cost?
Southwest College for the Deaf's tuition is approximately $3,512 for In-State students and $12,572 for Out-State students.
What is Southwest College for the Deaf's ranking?
Southwest College for the Deaf ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Diversity in US community colleges and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Recent Articles
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.


