SOWELA Technical Community College : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About SOWELA Technical Community College
In Lake Charles, where marsh country meets busy industry, SOWELA Technical Community College has a reputation for turning ambition into practical skills. Students spend time in labs, shops, and simulation spaces, supported by tutoring, advising, a well used library, tech help, and financial aid guidance. The vibe is friendly and straight talking, with instructors who bring field experience to class and expect you to roll up your sleeves.
Campus life mixes clubs, volunteer projects, and casual intramurals with places to study, build, and collaborate. Career prep leans on employer input, hands on learning, and events that connect students with hiring managers. The Lake Charles area offers access to energy, healthcare, aviation, and hospitality opportunities, plus Cajun food, live music, and water nearby. What stands out is the applied learning culture and close knit feel, where confidence builds quickly and momentum carries you forward.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
SOWELA Technical Community College offers 26 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 2,326 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 699 graduates), Construction (4 programs, 425 graduates), Business (3 programs, 300 graduates), Production (2 programs, 171 graduates) and Health (4 programs, 165 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 699 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instrumentation Technology | 373 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0404 |
| Industrial Production Technologies | 266 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0699 |
| Drafting and Design Technology | 60 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1301 |
Construction (4 programs, 425 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 309 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
46.0302 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installation | 69 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
46.0301 |
| Carpentry | 29 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
46.0201 |
| Plumbing Technology | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
46.0503 |
Business (3 programs, 300 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 189 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
52.0101 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 97 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 14 |
|
Residency
|
52.0401 |
Production (2 programs, 171 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 140 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
| Machine Tool Technology | 31 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
48.0501 |
Health (4 programs, 165 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 96 |
|
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.3901 |
| Registered Nursing | 49 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Sterile Processing Technology | 11 |
|
Other Award
|
51.1012 |
| Surgical Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0909 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 147 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 147 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 114 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | 114 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
11.0103 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 98 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Chef Training | 98 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0503 |
Mechanics (3 programs, 73 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology | 38 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
47.0600 |
| Aircraft Powerplant Technology | 31 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47.0608 |
| Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
47.0606 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 61 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 61 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0104 |
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 SOWELA Technical Community College
How much does it cost to attend SOWELA Technical Community College?
The annual tuition at SOWELA Technical Community College is $4,265 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $5,565 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,468 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,300.
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 SOWELA Technical Community College offer?
SOWELA Technical Community College offers 26 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Certificate (≥2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (3 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (4 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (4 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 SOWELA Technical Community College?
SOWELA Technical Community College provides financial aid to 14% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,534 and average loans of $5,690.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,841
- State/Local grants: $2,738
- Institutional grants: $1,521
The university supports 395 students with grants and 6 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 SOWELA Technical Community College graduates?
SOWELA Technical Community College graduates earn a median salary of $32,044 after 6 years and $32,303 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $15,501 (25th percentile) to $54,766 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $77,400 (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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