- 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 1,982 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 32%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,982 students
- In-state tuition: $4,800
- Out-state tuition: $5,010
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 15%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 180 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Southwestern Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
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
180 staff
274 staff
Student Body
The student population of Southwestern Community College has grown by 25% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Southwestern Community College diversity score of 0.25 is less than the state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has declined by 8% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,982 students
2,140 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
17:1
# Full-Time Students
655 students
148 students
# Part-Time Students
1,327 students
1,992 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
198 students
333 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
655 students
148 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
61 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,327 students
2,075 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
403 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
221 students
400 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
6%
9%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
85%
68%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
2%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
8%
Diversity Score
0.25
0.52
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
52%
51%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
26%
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 24% 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 23% 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%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
72%
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2024 (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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