- 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 23,693 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 27:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 89% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 23,693 students
- In-state tuition: $1,336
- Out-state tuition: $5,452
- Student:teacher ratio: 27:1
- Minority enrollment: 89%
- 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 880 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Southwestern College
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
880 staff
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southwestern College has grown by 23% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 27:1 has increased from 20:1 over five years.
The Southwestern College diversity score of 0.51 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 13% over five years.
Total Enrollment
23,693 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
27:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
7,877 students
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
15,816 students
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
236 students
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
7,877 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
15,816 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
11%
13%
% Hispanic
68%
47%
% Black
4%
7%
% White
11%
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.51
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.313%
0.4221%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$34,700
$34,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,336 is less than the state average of $1,516. 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 $6,779. The out-state tuition has declined by 29% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,336
$1,516
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,452
$6,779
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
85%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,900
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
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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