About Los Angeles Southwest College
Students pay an average net price of $6,683 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Los Angeles. In-state tuition starts at just $1,238 annually. Graduates earn a median of $32,172 ten years after starting college, which represents solid return on investment for a two-year degree. Only 1.44% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's low-debt approach to education.
Women make up 65% of the student body, while the campus reflects the diversity of South LA with 42.42% Hispanic students and 35.93% Black students. The college fields three varsity sports teams with 110 total athletes competing as the Cougars. With a 90% employment rate and strong community ties, Southwest College delivers on its promise of accessible education that leads directly to careers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 30.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,172
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $60,722 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,781 |
Campus Life
Women make up 65% of the student body, creating a community where many are juggling classes with work and family responsibilities. The diverse campus reflects its neighborhood, with 42.4% Hispanic students and 35.9% Black students building a active cultural mix. Students here aren't throwing frisbees on quads between dorm rooms, this is a commuter school where people drive in for morning classes and evening workforce training programs.
Weekends mean catching up on coursework or working jobs that help pay for that $6,683 average net price. With only 110 athletes across three varsity sports, school spirit centers more around academic achievements and transfer success than game day traditions. The real action happens in career-focused programs preparing students for LA's job market.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 49°–67°F
- July Avg
- 64°–77°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 11.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.0%
- Women
- 65.0%
- White
- 12.2%
- Black
- 35.9%
- Hispanic
- 42.4%
- Asian
- 3.5%
- In-State Students
- 92.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.6%
Location
- Address
- Los Angeles, California 90047-4899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,172
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,481
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 17.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Los Angeles Southwest College?
Los Angeles Southwest College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges. The school serves 3,793 students primarily from the local South Los Angeles community. Students can enroll in workforce training programs or complete general education requirements for transfer to four-year universities.
How much does Los Angeles Southwest College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $6,683 annually for students attending Los Angeles Southwest College. In-state tuition costs just $1,238, making it highly affordable for local residents. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of only $5,735 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Los Angeles Southwest College?
Los Angeles Southwest College has a student-faculty ratio of 20:1. The college focuses on practical workforce training alongside traditional transfer preparation. With 92.5% of students coming from in-state, the school serves as a vital educational resource for the local community.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Los Angeles Southwest College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.6% for Los Angeles Southwest College students. Graduates earn a median income of $32,172 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 90% employment rate. The college's emphasis on workforce development helps prepare students for immediate entry into the job market.
What is the student body composition at Los Angeles Southwest College?
Women make up 65% of the 3,793 students at Los Angeles Southwest College. The diverse student body is 42.4% Hispanic, 35.9% Black, and 12.2% White. This demographic reflects the college's mission to serve the multicultural South Los Angeles community since its founding in 1967.
Does Los Angeles Southwest College offer athletic programs?
Los Angeles Southwest College fields three varsity sports with 110 total athletes competing as the Cougars. The college does not offer athletic scholarships, focusing instead on accessible education for all students. Athletics serve as one component of the broader student experience at this community college.
