- Southwestern College is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential.
School Highlights
Southwestern College serves 20,986 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 40:1 is lower than the state community college average of 44:1.
Minority enrollment is 87% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 20,986 students
- In-state tuition: $1,336
- Out-state tuition: $5,452
- Student-teacher ratio: 40:1
- Minority enrollment: 87%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Southwestern College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 524 teachers has declined by 40% over five years.
Southwestern College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
524 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southwestern College has grown by 19% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 40:1 has increased from 22:1 over five years.
The Southwestern College diversity score of 0.55 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
20,986 students
2,140 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
40:1
44:1
# Full-Time Students
8,168 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
12,818 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
20,986 students
2,055 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
8,168 students
967 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
12,818 students
5,816 students
% Asian
10%
12%
% Hispanic
65%
46%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
13%
23%
% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Unknown races
3%
6%
Diversity Score
0.55
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
31%
42%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,336 is more than the state average of $1,236. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,452 is less than the state average of $6,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 42% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,336
$1,236
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,452
$6,577
Tuition Notes
$5,268 per semester (for 12 credits)
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
86%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,900
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$6,272
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Established in 1961, Southwestern College is one of 109 public community colleges in the state of California and the only institute of higher education located in the southern portion of San Diego County. Its location—nestled between the City of San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico international border on a 156-acre plot—positions it to play an important role in the intellectual growth of the more than 400,000 residents that call South County home. Serving approximately 19,000 students annually, Southwestern College offers more than 285 associate degree and certificate options. A host of noncredit courses designed to enhance personal and professional development are also offered through the College's Continuing Education department. Southwestern College has continuously received accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Whether pursuing an A.A. degree, preparing to transfer to a four-year college or university, or acquiring new occupational skills, students attending Southwestern College are given every opportunity to meet their educational goals. In addition to its centers, Southwestern College also provides off-campus classes at several extension sites throughout the district and operates an Aquatic Center in Coronado in conjunction with the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Current enrollment—at all locations—exceeds 19,000 students. More than a half-million students have attended Southwestern College since opening its doors 40 years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwestern College cost?
Southwestern College's tuition is approximately $1,336 for In-State students and $5,452 for Out-State students.
What is Southwestern College's ranking?
Southwestern College ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Least expensive tuition, Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
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