Southwest College for the Deaf: $2,766 Tuition

$2,766Tuition

47Students

80%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,382Earnings

#4 in TexasPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Southwest College for the Deaf

Southwest College for the Deaf is one of only a handful of community colleges in America designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. With just 47 students enrolled, this specialized institution in remote Big Spring, Texas delivers education entirely through American Sign Language-based instruction. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive support for students navigating both academic coursework and career preparation. The college has built a reputation for creating an immersive deaf cultural environment where ASL is the primary language of instruction and daily communication.

Students pay remarkably little for this specialized education. The average net price of $5,355 makes it accessible to families across income levels, with the lowest-income students paying just $2,524 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,382 ten years after completing their programs, while carrying only $9,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments of $101 make repayment manageable for most graduates. An impressive 90.8% employment rate demonstrates the college's success in preparing students for the workforce.

The student body reflects national diversity, with 51% Hispanic students and representation from multiple racial backgrounds. Only 28.6% of students come from Texas, showing the college draws deaf students from across the country seeking this unique educational opportunity.

Academics & Faculty

Southwest College for the Deaf operates as the nation's only community college designed exclusively for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. All instruction happens in American Sign Language, creating a fully accessible academic environment. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive personal attention in small classes. With just 47 students total, everyone knows each other on this tight-knit campus. The college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields like business, education, and computer information systems. Despite being a two-year institution, 80% of students complete their programs within six years. Students often transfer to Gallaudet University or other four-year colleges. The ASL-immersive environment helps students build confidence before entering mainstream higher education or the workforce.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 80.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,382

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$27,048
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,452

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

Southwest College for the Deaf sits in Big Spring, a small West Texas town about 100 miles from both Lubbock and Midland. With just 47 students total, the campus feels intimate and tight-knit. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Housing capacity accommodates 52 students, so most live on campus in a residential community centered around American Sign Language.

West Texas heat dominates much of the year, with summer temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, though desert nights can surprise you with their chill. The 90.8% employment rate reflects the college's strong job placement focus for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. With 71% of students coming from out of state, weekends often involve group activities on campus rather than trips home. The ASL-immersive environment creates a unique social active where visual communication shapes every interaction. Students form close bonds through shared experiences navigating both academic challenges and deaf culture together.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 52 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–57°F
July Avg: 71°–94°F
Annual Precipitation: 72.6"
Annual Snowfall: -1,554.1"

Student Demographics

Southwest College for the Deaf draws students from across the country, with over 70% coming from out of state. This national reach reflects the college's unique mission as one of the few institutions offering ASL-based education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The student body is majority Hispanic, mirroring both Texas demographics and the college's commitment to serving diverse communities. Nearly three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves primarily lower-income families. Women slightly outnumber men, which is typical for community colleges focused on support services and specialized education programs.

Men: 44.7%
Women: 55.3%
White: 17.0%
Black: 12.8%
Hispanic: 51.1%
Asian: 6.4%
In-State Students: 28.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 74.1%

Location

Big Spring sits in west-central Texas, about 300 miles west of Dallas and 100 miles southeast of Lubbock. The town of roughly 28,000 people serves as the Howard County seat in an oil and agriculture region. With 71% of students coming from out-of-state, Southwest College for the Deaf draws from across the country to this remote setting. Big Spring offers a small-town atmosphere where students can focus on their studies without urban distractions. The college's 52-bed housing capacity serves most of the 47 enrolled students on the compact campus. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Southwest College for the Deaf with similar schools in the region.

Address: Big Spring, Texas 79720-7298

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,382
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,333
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Southwest College for the Deaf?

Southwest College for the Deaf serves a specialized student population with just 47 enrolled students. As a community college designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, admission focuses on ensuring students can benefit from ASL-based instruction rather than traditional competitive metrics.

What does Southwest College for the Deaf cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,355 annually, with 74% receiving financial aid. Low-income students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,524 on average, making this specialized education highly accessible.

What is the student experience like at Southwest College for the Deaf?

The college maintains an intimate 7:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in ASL-based instruction. With only 52 students able to live on campus, the residential experience fosters a tight-knit deaf community in rural West Texas.

How successful are Southwest College for the Deaf graduates in finding employment?

Graduates achieve a strong 90.8% employment rate within six years of completion. Despite the specialized nature of their education, alumni earn a median salary of $38,382 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the value of deaf-focused career preparation.

Where is Southwest College for the Deaf located and what is the setting like?

The college sits in Big Spring, Texas, a remote town setting that creates an immersive environment for deaf students. With 72% of students coming from out-of-state, many travel significant distances to access this unique educational opportunity.

What makes Southwest College for the Deaf unique among community colleges?

This is one of the few community colleges in the nation designed specifically for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, with all instruction delivered in American Sign Language. The student body is majority Hispanic at 51%, reflecting the college's commitment to serving diverse deaf communities across the Southwest.