Southwestern College (SWC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Southwestern College
Set in San Diego's South Bay, Southwestern College is known for practical, transfer-ready academics alongside career training that puts students in hands-on labs and studios. Classes focus on real projects and clear pathways, with approachable faculty. Campus resources include a busy library, tutoring and learning centers, counseling, disability support, tech loans, and quiet study spots. You'll also find performance venues, athletic fields, and a fitness center to reset between classes.
Student life leans welcoming and proudly diverse, with clubs, student government, cultural festivals, and arts productions rooted in the borderland community. The vibe is friendly, a little scrappy in the best way. Career services offer resume help, job fairs, and employer meetups, and the college has a reputation for strong transfer advising and regional connections. Off campus, beaches, trails, and a deep food scene are close, and service-learning links classroom work to real needs. Jaguars spirit shows up at games and low-key traditions.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Southwestern College (SWC) offers 98 degree programs across 31 major academic fields, graduating approximately 3,270 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 766 graduates), Business (11 programs, 536 graduates), Health (12 programs, 414 graduates), Social Sciences (6 programs, 247 graduates) and Psychology (1 programs, 216 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 766 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 723 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Humanities Studies | 43 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Business (11 programs, 536 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 329 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 68 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Real Estate | 63 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1501 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 17 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0203 |
| Hospitality Management | 16 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0901 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 14 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
| Banking and Financial Services | 12 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0803 |
| Small Business Management | 9 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0703 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1801 |
| Business Administration | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0101 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
Health (12 programs, 414 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology | 129 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 80 |
|
Other Award
|
51.3902 |
| Registered Nursing | 64 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 34 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3901 |
| Dental Hygiene | 30 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0602 |
| Surgical Technology | 17 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0909 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | 17 |
|
Associate's
|
51.1004 |
| Medical Assistant | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
| Health and Medical Administration | 12 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0799 |
| Health Unit Coordination | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0703 |
| Medical Insurance Coding | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0713 |
| Medical Administrative Assistant | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0716 |
Social Sciences (6 programs, 247 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 96 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Economics | 91 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Political Science and Government | 30 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 16 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
45.0702 |
| Geography | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0701 |
Psychology (1 programs, 216 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 216 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Security & Safety (6 programs, 212 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 137 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0103 |
| Fire Science and Firefighting | 30 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0203 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 25 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43.0201 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0406 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0102 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 137 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 137 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
Arts (9 programs, 95 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 50 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Graphic Design | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0409 |
| Theatre Arts | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0501 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0101 |
| Cinematography and Film Production | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0602 |
| Music | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0901 |
| Dance | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0301 |
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0411 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0502 |
Communication (3 programs, 71 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 34 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0101 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | 30 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0701 |
| Journalism | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0401 |
Human Sciences (3 programs, 70 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development and Family Studies | 68 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
19.0701 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0501 |
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southwestern College (SWC)
How much does it cost to attend Southwestern College (SWC)?
The annual tuition at Southwestern College (SWC) is $1,344 for in-state students and $9,492 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,554 for in-state students and $10,702 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $23,897 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,210.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Southwestern College offer?
Southwestern College (SWC) offers 98 academic programs across 31 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (11 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (12 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (6 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Southwestern College?
Southwestern College (SWC) provides financial aid to 11% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,587 and average loans of $4,335.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,315
- State/Local grants: $3,011
- Institutional grants: $480
- Federal loans: $4,335
The university supports 1,608 students with grants and 104 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Southwestern College graduates?
Southwestern College (SWC) graduates earn a median salary of $33,970 after 6 years and $40,060 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $20,734 (25th percentile) to $59,678 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $66,800 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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