Southwestern Community College
About Southwestern Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southwestern Community College teaches in Sylva, in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. Business and allied health are among its largest programs.
Founded
1964
Location
Sylva, North Carolina
Students
1,249
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
53.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$4,112
Out-of-state: $13,184
Avg Net Price
$5,207
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$34,145
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53.1% complete their degree within three years
Retention
74.7%
Transfer Out
10%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
18.6%
$/Student
$9.3K
Class Size
Medium
While 53.1% finish in 4 years, 74.7% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,112
In-State
$13,184
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$2,232
Total Cost of Attendance
$15,856
After Financial Aid
$5,207
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,982
Receive Grants
36.2%
Take Loans
5.4%
Tuition is $4,112/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $5,207.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southwestern Community College fund their education.
While in School
36.2%
Get Grants
Free money
5.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$21,372
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$111/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southwestern Community College.
Gender
70.4%
Female
30%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,249
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
44.2%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
26.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 70% of the student body. 44.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
1,249
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southwestern Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$34,145
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$26K
126 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$31K
41 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$48K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$62K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
$42K
20 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
—
20 grads
Median earnings are $34K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwestern Community College
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.