Southwestern Community College (SWCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Southwestern Community College
Tucked into the North Carolina mountains, Southwestern Community College pairs practical academics with personal attention. The college is known for strong transfer preparation along with skilled trades, health, public safety, and business foundations. Specialized labs and modern classrooms support hands-on work, while the library, tutoring, advising, and counseling keep students moving forward. You'll also find writing support, career guidance, and reliable tech resources, plus spaces to study quietly or meet with a group.
Campus life feels friendly and unpretentious, with student clubs, leadership roles, and service opportunities. And when you need a break, hiking, paddling, and nearby waterfalls make outdoor time part of the week, while downtown Sylva adds coffee, music, and small-town charm. Career prep leans practical, with clear pathways to regional jobs or university transfer and connections across the local workforce. The setting and close-knit culture are the difference here; it's a mountain college experience with sleeves-rolled-up energy.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) offers 34 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 689 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (13 programs, 167 graduates), Business (3 programs, 129 graduates), Liberal Arts (2 programs, 119 graduates), Personal Services (2 programs, 60 graduates) and Education (3 programs, 41 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (13 programs, 167 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 36 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Health Information Technology | 26 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0707 |
| Mental and Social Health Services | 22 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1599 |
| Medical Office Administration | 15 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0705 |
| Medical Assistant | 13 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0801 |
| Radiologic Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1501 |
| Massage Therapy | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3501 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0908 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0910 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0803 |
Business (3 programs, 129 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 65 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 35 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
| Accounting and Finance | 29 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0304 |
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 119 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 112 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| General Studies | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Personal Services (2 programs, 60 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 42 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0401 |
| Culinary Arts and Chef Training | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0503 |
Education (3 programs, 41 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 33 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
13.1210 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 6 |
|
Other Award
|
13.0401 |
| Kindergarten and Preschool Education | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
13.1209 |
Production (1 programs, 38 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 38 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 23 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0104 |
| Cyber and Computer Forensics | 13 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0403 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 31 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 31 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0103 |
Mechanics (1 programs, 27 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 27 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Education | 14 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
31.0601 |
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 Community College (SWCC)
How much does it cost to attend Southwestern Community College (SWCC)?
The annual tuition at Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is $5,806 for in-state students and $19,630 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $7,266 for in-state students and $21,090 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $13,410 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,460.
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 Community College offer?
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) offers 34 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (13 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care (2 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 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 Community College?
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) provides financial aid to 2% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,648 and average loans of $4,855.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $8,389
- State/Local grants: $2,103
- Institutional grants: $1,432
- Federal loans: $4,855
The university supports 33 students with grants and 3 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 Community College graduates?
Southwestern Community College (SWCC) graduates earn a median salary of $31,660 after 6 years and $34,145 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,801 (25th percentile) to $51,667 (75th 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.
Related Universities
Found something useful? Help others discover it too! Share with friends, on social media, or save for later - every share helps someone find the information they need.