About SOWELA Technical Community College
The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $8,703 after aid. Even those from families making $75,000-$110,000 pay just $10,352. Graduates earn a median of $43,871 one year after completion and $51,889 five years later. The college charges the same $4,265 tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. With 92.9% of graduates finding employment, the return on investment proves solid for technical careers.
Nearly all students come from Louisiana, with 97.27% claiming in-state residency. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with 47.97% male and 52.03% female. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working families. The 43.20% six-year graduation rate aligns with community college norms, though many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,303
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,549 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,771 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,730 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $24,035 |
Campus Life
The school draws 97% of its students from Louisiana, creating a tight-knit community where many students know each other from high school. With no campus housing, students commute from around the region or rent nearby apartments. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students by name in hands-on programs like welding and process technology. Weekends often revolve around Lake Charles' casinos, fishing on the nearby Gulf Coast, or Mardi Gras festivities that rival New Orleans. The Flying Tigers nickname reflects the area's connection to World War II aviation training. Students here are serious about learning skills that lead to immediate employment - the 92.9% employment rate proves the approach works.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1938
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–63°F
- July Avg
- 75°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 59.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.0%
- Women
- 52.0%
- White
- 64.2%
- Black
- 23.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.3%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 97.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.8%
Location
- Address
- Lake Charles, Louisiana 70615
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,303
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,889
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,200
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at SOWELA Technical Community College?
SOWELA operates with an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who want to develop technical skills for Louisiana's industrial economy. The college serves 2,979 students who are primarily focused on workforce-ready programs. Nearly 97% of students come from Louisiana, reflecting the school's role as a regional training center.
How much does SOWELA Technical Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,861 annually, with costs varying slightly by family income from $8,472 to $10,352. The college charges the same $4,265 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid distribution.
What academic programs is SOWELA Technical Community College known for?
SOWELA specializes in technical and workforce training programs that serve Louisiana's industrial corridor, particularly in welding, process technology, and manufacturing. The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio in these hands-on programs. Students can complete career-focused associate degrees and certificates designed for immediate employment.
What are the job prospects after graduating from SOWELA Technical Community College?
Graduates achieve a strong 92.9% employment rate, reflecting the demand for skilled technical workers in the Lake Charles area. Alumni earn a median of $43,871 one year after graduation and $32,303 ten years out. The college's focus on industrial training aligns well with the petrochemical and manufacturing employers in southwest Louisiana.
Where is SOWELA Technical Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Lake Charles, Louisiana, a small industrial city known for its refineries and chemical plants. SOWELA's Flying Tigers compete in athletics, though the focus remains heavily on career preparation rather than traditional college activities. The student body is 52% women and 64% white, with 23% Black students.
Does SOWELA Technical Community College have a good graduation rate?
SOWELA posts a 43.2% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the practical nature of many students who enter the workforce before completing degrees. Founded in 1938, the college has long served students who often balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing technical credentials. Many students complete shorter certificate programs that lead directly to employment.
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