About Southwestern Community College
Students pay an average net price of $9,775 annually, making this one of Iowa's more affordable higher education options. Graduates earn a median of $40,129 ten years after enrollment, while carrying manageable debt loads of $10,975. The monthly loan payment of $116 reflects the school's commitment to keeping education costs reasonable. Lower-income students benefit , with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $8,336 net price.
The student body tilts heavily female at 62.27%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and human services. About 97.9% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the college's effectiveness at job placement. Ten varsity sports provide opportunities for the 134 student-athletes, with $276,234 in athletic scholarships helping offset costs. The 243-bed housing capacity creates a residential feel uncommon among community colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,129
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,833 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $26,353 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,824 |
Campus Life
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 62% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive feel. The 134 Spartan athletes compete in 10 NCCAA sports, giving the small campus a steady pulse of activity.
Weekends often center around athletic events or trips to nearby Omaha, about 90 minutes south. The rural setting means entertainment requires creativity, students organize movie nights, intramural games, and outdoor activities when weather permits. The 97.9% employment rate reflects the college's strong ties to regional employers who actively recruit here. Small-town Iowa life moves at a different pace, which some students find refreshing and others limiting.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 243 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–30°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 27.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.7%
- Women
- 62.3%
- White
- 81.7%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 6.1%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 73.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.9%
Location
- Address
- Creston, Iowa 50801
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,129
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,649
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $116/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,975
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Southwestern Community College?
Community colleges typically maintain open enrollment policies for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. With 774 students enrolled, Southwestern serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in rural Iowa. The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that supports personalized attention for students beginning their college journey.
How much does Southwestern Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,775 annually after aid is applied. Low-income families earning under $30,000 see costs drop to just $8,336, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $6,869. The college keeps debt manageable with graduates owing a median of $10,975 and monthly loan payments averaging $116.
What academic programs is Southwestern Community College known for?
The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong employment connections in southwest Iowa's agricultural and manufacturing economy. With a 97.9% employment rate for graduates, the school excels at workforce preparation. Nearly 27% of students receive institutional grants averaging $6,128 to support their studies.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Southwestern Community College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $40,129 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The 53% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages. Strong regional employer relationships help explain the exceptional 97.9% employment rate among completers.
Where do students live at Southwestern Community College?
The college houses 243 students in on-campus facilities at a cost of $7,910 for room and board. Most students commute from the surrounding region, with 73.47% coming from Iowa. The small-town Creston setting provides a close-knit community atmosphere typical of rural community colleges.
Does Southwestern Community College offer athletic scholarships?
The Spartans compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 134 total athletes on rosters. The college awards $276,234 in athletic scholarships annually to support student-athletes. This substantial athletic aid helps attract talent to the rural Iowa campus while keeping education affordable.
