- 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 stayed relatively flat 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 grown by 13% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,566 students
176 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
1,566 students
176 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
582 students
165 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
984 students
1,268 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
$33,600
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.
Recent Articles
Credit for Prior Learning: When Life Experience Can Shorten Your Degree
Learn how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help community college students earn college credit for military service, work experience, certifications, and prior learning, reducing both the time and cost of earning a degree.
The Working Student Schedule Test: Can You Balance College and a Job?
Discover how to evaluate whether your work schedule is compatible with community college before classes begin, and learn practical strategies that help working students stay on track toward graduation.
Stop-Out Risk: How to Choose a Community College That Helps You Finish
Learn how to identify community colleges that actively reduce stop-out risk through proactive advising, financial support, transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and student success services, helping you stay enrolled, complete your credential, and achieve your long-term educational goals.
