Skip to content
Public, 2-year

Southwestern Community College

Sylva, North Carolina · www.southwesterncc.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$13,184

In-state $4,112

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,157

Student-faculty ratio 10:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

53.6%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 62.3%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is a prominent educational institution located in the scenic region of North Carolina. Established in 1964, the college serves as a vital resource for higher education and vocational training in the area. Known for its strong commitment to student success, SWCC offers a diverse range of programs including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various fields such as health sciences, business, and technology. The college's mission emphasizes accessibility and affordability, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals.

One of the defining features of Southwestern Community College is its vibrant campus culture, which fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among students. The college promotes an inclusive environment where individuals can engage in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and community service initiatives. SWCC's commitment to student engagement is reflected in its comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, which help students navigate their educational journey effectively. Furthermore, the college boasts modern facilities equipped with advanced technology, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for future employment. With a focus on practical skills and workforce readiness, Southwestern Community College continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of its students and the surrounding community.

Discussion on Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention

The data from Southwestern Community College reveals significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. Notably, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students saw a substantial increase from $2,086 in 2014 to a staggering $5,806 in 2024, indicating a dramatic rise of approximately 178.4%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition also increased significantly, from $7,462 in 2014 to $19,630 in 2024. This sharp rise in costs raises concerns about accessibility and affordability for prospective students, especially given the financial burden that higher education can impose.

In contrast to the escalating tuition, the graduation rates show a more fluctuating trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 4.8% in 2013 to a peak of 28.2% in 2021 before dipping slightly to 23.4% in 2023. This indicates some improvement in student success but still highlights a significant gap, suggesting that many students struggle to complete their degrees in a timely manner. The 150% graduation rate also reflects a similar pattern, indicating that while more students are graduating eventually, a large portion is not completing their studies within the expected timeframe.

Retention rates also reflect a mixed picture of student engagement and satisfaction. The retention rate for undergraduate students varied from a low of 56.9% in 2014 to a high of 73.8% in 2018, but it fell to 58.4% in 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including rising tuition costs that may force students to reconsider their educational paths or face financial difficulties that hinder their ability to continue their studies.

Overall, while there have been some positive trends in graduation rates, the increasing tuition costs and declining retention rates pose significant challenges for Southwestern Community College. Addressing these issues will be crucial for improving student outcomes and ensuring that education remains accessible to all.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Greenville, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 130 mi
Sylva, North Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Don Tomas (President)
Phone
8283394000
City
Sylva, North Carolina
Address
447 College Drive, Sylva, NC 28779

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3344 international (1.2%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
97
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
40
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
24
Business Administration and Management, General
16
Occupational Therapist Assistant
12
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
11
Physical Therapy Assistant
11
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
9
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
9
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
9

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Southwestern Community College

The graduation statistics from Southwestern Community College reveal several noteworthy trends, particularly in the healthcare and business sectors. The data shows a significant emphasis on healthcare-related programs, with registered nursing being the leader, producing 25 graduates. This aligns with the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the need for qualified personnel in medical settings.

Interestingly, nearly all programs reported zero graduates for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, indicating a strong focus on associate degrees. The total number of associate degree graduates across various fields reflects the institution's commitment to providing accessible education and training, particularly in areas such as physical therapy, emergency medical technology, and respiratory care therapy. This approach caters to the immediate workforce needs while allowing students to enter the job market quickly.

Moreover, the absence of international students graduating in these programs might suggest a potential area for growth in attracting a more diverse student body. As global mobility resumes post-pandemic, community colleges like Southwestern can benefit from international enrollment, thus enriching the educational experience and fostering a multicultural environment.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of community colleges in vocational training and serving local healthcare needs while also hinting at opportunities for expansion and diversification in their programs.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 132 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Medical Office Management/Administration.-
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.-
Medical/Clinical Assistant.$47,053
Occupational Therapist Assistant.$47,053
Physical Therapy Assistant.$47,053
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$54,874
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$54,874
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$54,874
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.$54,874
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$54,874
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.-
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.-
Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-
Liberal arts has 101 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$30,036
General Studies.$30,036
Businesshas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$32,520-$35,770
Office Management and Supervision.$32,520-$35,770
Accounting and Finance.-
Educationhas 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Homeland security has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism.-
Culinary has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Technology.-
Visual and Performing artshas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Commercial and Advertising Art.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Mechanic and repair has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.-
Precision production has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Outdoor Education.-
Legal professionshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-

Students

2,157 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 74.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,157)

White
1,575 · 73.0%
Hispanic
308 · 14.3%
Two or more races
63 · 2.9%
Asian
32 · 1.5%
Black
32 · 1.5%
Unknown
25 · 1.2%
International
8 · 0.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Southwestern Community College in 2023

The student demographics at Southwestern Community College for the year 2023 present a fascinating picture of diversity and gender distribution among different student categories. Notably, the data highlights a significant gender disparity, with female students outnumbering male students in all categories of undergraduate new and continuing students, as well as transfer students. For instance, the proportion of female undergraduate new students is 58.1%, while male students comprise only 41.9%. This trend continues among undergraduate continuing students, where females represent 68.8% compared to 31.2% male students.

The overall student body also reflects a balance with a slight male majority among graduate students, where males account for 44.6% and females 55.4%. This data suggests a growing trend of female enrollment in higher education, which is consistent with national statistics showing an increase in female participation in college programs over the past decade.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the breakdown of the student body reveals a significant presence of white students, particularly among undergraduate categories. However, specific data on the subcategories of ethnic representation, such as Asian, Latino, African American, and international students, is missing. This absence of detailed data makes it difficult to fully assess the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

As colleges and universities across the nation strive to create more inclusive environments, it will be essential for Southwestern Community College to continue monitoring these demographics and work towards enhancing representation across all racial and ethnic groups. The increasing female representation in higher education is promising, and the institution should build on this momentum while also addressing the need for greater diversity among all student populations.

Age Distribution Among Students at Southwestern Community College

The age distribution among students at Southwestern Community College reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. A notable concentration of students is found in the under-18 age category, with 275 male and 375 female undergraduate students, which constitutes approximately 42% of the total student population. This strong presence of younger students suggests that the college serves as a significant entry point for high school graduates.

As we move up the age brackets, the number of students decreases markedly. In the 18-19 age group, there are 192 male and 244 female undergraduates, accounting for about 22% of the total enrollment. This trend continues across older age groups, with the 20-21 and 22-24 categories showing 115 males and 158 females, and 75 males and 144 females respectively. The decline in student numbers is especially pronounced in the 50-64 age group, where only 17 males and 44 females are enrolled, illustrating a stark drop-off in participation among older adults.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students reported in any age category, indicating that the college primarily caters to undergraduate education. This could reflect broader national trends where community colleges are seen as accessible venues for vocational training and associate degrees rather than advanced studies.

Overall, the data highlights the youthful nature of the student body at Southwestern Community College, with a strong emphasis on younger learners, while also pointing to the potential need for initiatives aimed at attracting non-traditional, older students to further diversify the educational landscape.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.4%

8 in 2025 · 0.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.9%2017: 0.8%2018: 0.9%2019: 0.9%2020: 0.9%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.5%2023: 0.7%2024: 0.4%2025: 0.4%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Southwestern Community College

The data from Southwestern Community College indicates a fluctuating trend in international student enrollment over the years, particularly at the undergraduate level. Starting from a mere 0.10% of the total undergraduate student body in 2004, the percentage of international students has seen a significant increase, peaking at 0.93% in 2016. However, there are noticeable fluctuations, with percentages dipping to 0.40% in 2021 and recovering to 0.66% in 2023.

The years of notable growth, such as 2015 and 2016, may reflect broader national trends in international education where U.S. institutions were actively seeking to bolster their international student numbers amid growing competition from other countries. The slight decline in 2021 could be attributed to the global pandemic, which disrupted travel and the ability of international students to enroll in U.S. institutions.

Despite these challenges, the more recent data suggests a resilient recovery as the institution adapts to the changing landscape of international education. As global conditions stabilize, it is plausible that Southwestern Community College will continue to see an increase in international student enrollment, aligning with national trends that indicate a growing interest among international students in pursuing education in the United States. Overall, the data underscores the importance of international students to the academic community and the potential for growth in this demographic in the coming years.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$26,234

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$13,184
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$4,112
Room and board
$13,050
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 76% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 45%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$49.1M

Government grants and contracts
$22.6M46.1%
Tuition and fees
$1.7M3.4%
Investment return
$685K1.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$133K0.3%
Other
$24.0M48.9%

Expenses$27.6M

Instruction
$11.8M42.9%
Institutional support
$3.4M12.4%
Academic support
$3.1M11.1%
Scholarships
$2.4M8.8%
Student services
$2.1M7.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$84K0.3%
Other
$4.7M17.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$58,723peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Southwestern Community College:

  1. Emory University - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, Emory University is a prestigious research university located in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

  2. Clemson University - With a rank of 86, Clemson University in South Carolina is well-regarded for its engineering programs and beautiful campus, providing a strong community and a variety of student activities.

  3. Furman University - This liberal arts college ranks 46th and is located in Greenville, South Carolina. It is known for its picturesque campus and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

  4. University of Georgia - Ranked 47th, the University of Georgia is a large public research university in Athens, Georgia, recognized for its diverse academic programs and spirited athletic culture.

  5. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - Holding the 105th spot in rankings, UT Knoxville offers a wide range of programs and is known for its vibrant campus and rich traditions.

  6. Davidson College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Davidson ranks 16th and is celebrated for its strong academic programs and commitment to student development.

  7. Wofford College - With a ranking of 59, Wofford College is a liberal arts college in Spartanburg, South Carolina, known for its close-knit community and strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching.

These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the surrounding region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
1
Drug arrests
1
Domestic violence
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Southwestern Community College

The crime data from Southwestern Community College over the past decade presents an intriguing picture of campus safety. In 2013, the college reported a crime rate of 1.91 incidents per 1,000 students, which was relatively high compared to subsequent years. However, this number has generally trended downward, with 2016 recording no crimes at all, a notable achievement for any institution.

The year 2020 saw a slight uptick in crime with a rate of 0.86, suggesting that even in a pandemic year, some incidents may have occurred. Interestingly, the data indicate that gun-related arrests were the most common type of crime reported in several years, pointing to the need for ongoing discussions around campus safety and gun control.

Moreover, the absence of reported crimes in both 2021 and 2016 raises questions about the effectiveness of safety measures in place and whether this is a trend that can be sustained. It is crucial for the college administration to maintain transparency and communication regarding safety protocols while also addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to these incidents.

Overall, the data reflects a commendable effort towards maintaining a safe environment for students, but continued vigilance is necessary to ensure that these numbers do not rise again. Regular assessments and community engagement will be vital in fostering a secure educational atmosphere. For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further information can be found here: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.