SOWELA Technical Community College
About SOWELA Technical Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
SOWELA Technical Community College teaches in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and trains most of its students for the petrochemical plants and refineries along the Gulf. Industrial production and electromechanical technology are its largest programs.
Founded
1938
Location
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Students
2,966
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
42.7%
Below national average
Tuition
$4,305
Per year
Avg Net Price
$7,525
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$32,303
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
Below Average
42.7% complete their degree within three years
Retention
59.4%
Transfer Out
7%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
63.5%
$/Student
$9.1K
Class Size
Large
The 42.7% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,305
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,353
Total Cost of Attendance
$15,578
After Financial Aid
$7,525
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,439
Receive Grants
45.6%
Take Loans
0%
Tuition is $4,305/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $7,525.
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 SOWELA Technical Community College fund their education.
While in School
45.6%
Get Grants
Free money
0%
Take Loans
Must repay
$17,038
Median Family Income
After Graduation
N/A
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
N/A
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends SOWELA Technical Community College.
Gender
51.6%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,966
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
50.9%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
29.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 50.9% 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
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
2,966
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
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of SOWELA Technical Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$32,303
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
$52K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
$75K
89 grads
1yr Earnings
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
$52K
82 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$32K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
—
27 grads
Median earnings are $32K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SOWELA Technical Community College
How much does SOWELA Technical Community College cost?▾
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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.