Southwestern Illinois College: $3,870 Tuition

$3,870Tuition

5,280Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,884Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Southwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois College serves the greater St. Louis metropolitan area as a bridge between high school and four-year universities or immediate careers. The college enrolls 5,280 students across its Belleville campus and satellite locations. SWIC has built a reputation for solid transfer pathways to regional universities and career training programs that connect directly to local employers. Nearly 97% of students come from Illinois, reflecting the college's role as a hometown institution for southwestern Illinois residents.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. The average net price sits at $7,210, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay closer to $5,676 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $36,884 ten years after starting, while carrying just $6,908 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $73. These numbers reflect the community college model working as intended: affordable education leading to steady employment without crushing debt.

The Blue Storm compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 191 total athletes sharing $769,713 in athletic scholarships. The student body is 56% women and diverse, with 23% Black students and 8% Hispanic students. A 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes than typical four-year universities, though the 37% six-year completion rate suggests many students transfer before finishing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Southwestern Illinois College serves the greater St. Louis region as a full community college with dual missions in career preparation and university transfer. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors across programs. With a 36.9% six-year graduation rate, SWIC reflects typical community college completion patterns where many students transfer before completing associate degrees or attend part-time while working. The college emphasizes practical workforce training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive technology. Students can also pursue general education courses designed for seamless transfer to four-year universities. Nearly 93% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the college's success in preparing students for immediate career entry in the competitive St. Louis job market.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,884

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,608
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$47,260
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$46,673
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,087
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$35,213
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$33,993
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$32,711
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Certificate	$32,321
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations.	Associate	$31,581
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$30,554

View all 77 programs →

Campus Life

This community college sits in Belleville, just 15 miles from downtown St. Louis, giving students easy access to internships and jobs in the metro area. With 5,280 students spread across a commuter campus, you'll pack winter coats for snowy Illinois winters and light clothing for humid summers. Since this is a two-year school without dorms, nearly all students commute from home or nearby apartments.

The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller class sizes than you'd find at four-year universities. With 97% of students coming from Illinois, you'll mostly meet locals who know the area well. The Blue Storm athletic teams compete in 10 sports with 191 total athletes, creating some campus spirit despite the commuter culture. Weekends often mean heading into St. Louis for entertainment, working part-time jobs, or studying with classmates at local coffee shops. The suburban setting provides quiet study spaces while keeping big-city opportunities within reach. Many students balance classes with work since only 25.88% receive Pell Grants, making this an affordable stepping stone toward career goals or four-year transfers.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1946

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Robbery	3	2
Arson	2	1
Burglary	3	0
Domestic Violence	2	1
Stalking	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–42°F
July Avg: 68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.7"
Annual Snowfall: 11.8"

Student Demographics

This community college draws almost exclusively from Illinois, with 97% of students staying close to home in the St. Louis metro region. The student body reflects the area's diversity, with significant Black representation at 23% alongside a white majority. Women outnumber men by a noticeable margin, typical for community colleges where nursing and health programs attract female students. About a quarter receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and transfer pathways. The local focus means students often juggle work, family, and education while building skills for regional employers.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 57.8%
Black: 23.4%
Hispanic: 7.1%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.9%

Location

Southwestern Illinois College sits in Belleville, Illinois, just 15 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. The college draws 97.05% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a regional community college serving the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Belleville anchors the Illinois side of this bi-state region, where students benefit from suburban amenities while maintaining easy access to a major metropolitan job market. The area combines small-town community feel with big-city opportunities across the river. The college's 5,280 students experience the advantages of proximity to St. Louis's healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Southwestern Illinois College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Belleville, Illinois 62221-5899

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,884
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,207
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $73/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,908

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southwestern Illinois College?

Southwestern Illinois College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with varying academic backgrounds. The college serves 5,280 students and draws 97.05% of its enrollment from Illinois residents. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students in the St. Louis metro area.

How much does Southwestern Illinois College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,210 after financial aid, with in-state tuition at $3,870 annually. Only 25.88% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from middle-income families. Graduates typically leave with just $6,908 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $73.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwestern Illinois College?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. SWIC focuses on both career training and transfer preparation to four-year universities. The semester system allows students to complete programs efficiently while balancing work and family commitments.

What are the job prospects for Southwestern Illinois College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 92.8% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical career training. Median earnings reach $36,884 ten years after enrollment, with many alumni finding work in the greater St. Louis region. The college's programs align well with local industry needs in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.

Where is Southwestern Illinois College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in Belleville, a large suburb that provides easy access to both rural and urban amenities. Women make up 56.48% of enrollment while men represent 43.52%, creating a balanced student body. The Blue Storm compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 191 total athletes sharing $769,713 in athletic scholarships.

Does Southwestern Illinois College have good graduation rates?

The college reports a 36.90% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Founded in 1946, SWIC has long served as an affordable pathway to higher education in the region. The relatively low completion rate is offset by strong employment outcomes for those who do finish their programs.