Southwest Tennessee Community College: $4,550 Tuition

$4,550Tuition

5,207Students

19%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,071Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Southwest Tennessee Community College

Southwest Tennessee Community College serves as Memphis's primary pathway to career training and four-year transfer programs. The college enrolls 5,207 students across the city and focuses heavily on workforce development for the local economy. Students can choose from practical career programs or complete their first two years before transferring to universities.

The financial picture looks solid for most students. Average net price sits at $4,588, making this one of the more affordable options in Tennessee. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,016 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,071 ten years after starting, which represents decent returns given the low upfront costs. The college awards $6,051 on average in institutional grants to 18.9% of students who receive them.

The student body reflects Memphis's diversity, with 62.7% Black students and 21.8% White students creating a majority-minority campus. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment at 66.6%. Nearly all students come from Tennessee at 97.5%. The Saluqis compete in five NJCAA sports with 85 total athletes. The 19% six-year graduation rate signals that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees here.

Academics & Faculty

Southwest Tennessee Community College serves as Memphis's primary workforce development center, offering career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment. The college enrolls 5,207 students with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors despite being a large urban community college. However, the 19.3% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing their programs. The college specializes in healthcare training, skilled trades, and business programs that align with Memphis's logistics and healthcare industries. Students can earn certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and information systems. Transfer pathways to four-year universities remain strong for students planning to continue their education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 19.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,071

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,512
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$44,384
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$41,937
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$28,212
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,921
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$22,087

View all 47 programs →

Campus Life

Southwest Tennessee Community College sits in the heart of Memphis, where students navigate between multiple campuses scattered throughout the city. The main Macon Cove campus houses most classes, while specialized programs operate from the Union Avenue and Gill locations. Memphis summers reach the mid-90s with heavy humidity, making air-conditioned buildings a necessity from May through September. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, so a light jacket handles most cold days.

As a commuter school, no students live on campus, and the 19:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than typical community colleges. Two-thirds of students are women, often balancing coursework with work or family responsibilities. With 97% of the 5,207 students coming from Tennessee, most already know the Memphis area well. Weekends revolve around work shifts and family time rather than campus activities. The Saluqis compete in five NJCAA sports with 85 total athletes, though athletic events draw modest crowds. Students gravitate toward career-focused programs that connect directly to Memphis industries like healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 2000

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–49°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.2"
Annual Snowfall: 2.8"

Student Demographics

Southwest Tennessee draws primarily Memphis-area students, with nearly all coming from within Tennessee. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular healthcare and human services programs. The student population is predominantly Black, mirroring Memphis demographics and the school's role as an accessible pathway for local residents. With 42% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and working-class students seeking affordable career training. This community college functions as Memphis's workforce development engine, preparing locals for in-demand jobs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades.

Men: 33.4%
Women: 66.6%
White: 21.8%
Black: 62.7%
Hispanic: 9.3%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 97.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.3%

Location

Southwest Tennessee Community College sits in Memphis, Tennessee's largest city with over 650,000 residents. The campus serves the greater Memphis metropolitan area, which spans across the Mississippi River into Arkansas and Mississippi. Memphis anchors the Mid-South region as a major transportation and logistics center. The city pulses with blues music history along Beale Street and houses FedEx's global headquarters. Students here experience urban college life in a city known for barbecue, civil rights history, and a thriving healthcare industry. The 97.49% in-state enrollment reflects the college's deep local roots. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Southwest Tennessee Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Memphis, Tennessee 38134

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,071
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,293
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,800

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Southwest Tennessee Community College?

Southwest Tennessee Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The school serves 5,207 students who are primarily seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. Nearly 98% of students come from Tennessee, reflecting the college's role as a local access point for higher education.

How much does Southwest Tennessee Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,588 annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in Memphis. In-state tuition starts at $4,550, while 42% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs. Families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $4,016 after aid, demonstrating the college's commitment to accessible education.

What academic programs is Southwest Tennessee Community College known for?

The college focuses on career training and transfer preparation for the Memphis workforce, with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. Classes operate on a semester system to align with four-year universities. The school emphasizes practical skills development and seamless transfer pathways to help students continue their education or enter the job market quickly.

What career outcomes do Southwest Tennessee Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $34,071 ten years after enrollment, with a strong employment rate of 90%. However, only 19% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face in balancing education with other responsibilities. The college serves a population where 63% of students are Black and 67% are women, many of whom are returning to education later in life.

What is campus life like at Southwest Tennessee Community College?

The urban Memphis campus reflects the city's diverse character, with students who are 67% women and represent the local community demographics. Athletic opportunities are limited with just 5 varsity sports and 85 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. Most students commute to campus and balance coursework with work and family obligations typical of community college populations.

What makes Southwest Tennessee Community College unique compared to other community colleges?

Founded in 2000, this relatively young institution emerged from the merger of several Memphis-area colleges to better serve the region's educational needs. The Saluqis athletic teams distribute $575,464 in scholarships across their five sports programs. The college's mission centers on providing immediate workforce development for Memphis industries while maintaining affordable access to higher education.