Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southwestern College

Chula Vista, CA

Total Enrollment

33,061

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

155

155 career programs

Full-Time Students

30,950

33,061 part-time

Total FTE

11,373

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
33,061
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 155
High diversity
~213 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Southwestern College operates as a large trade college with 33,061 students across 155 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 33,061 students, Southwestern College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 155 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 30,950 (48.4%)
48.4%
Part-Time Students 33,061 (51.6%)
51.6%
Total Students 64,011

Majority part-time students (51.6%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (93.6%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
55.1%
18,211 students
Men
44.9%
14,850 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
69.3%
22,898 students
Hispanic/Latino
69.3% (22,898)
Asian
10.4% (3,444)
White
9.4% (3,124)
Black/African American
4.3% (1,420)
Two or More Races
3.8% (1,265)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.4% (122)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (66)
International Students
0.1% (24)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 33,061 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 69% of the student body (22,898 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

64,011 students

46% Men, 54% Women
30,950 Full-time
Diversity Index: 49% • Minority Students: 85%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

7,790
All full-time students
3,605 men, 4,185 women
Diversity: 48%

FT Undergraduate

7,790
Full-time undergraduate
3,605 men, 4,185 women
Diversity: 48%

FT Degree-Seeking

7,685
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
3,559 men, 4,126 women
Diversity: 48%

FT First-Time

2,326
Full-time first-time students
1,166 men, 1,160 women
Diversity: 47%

FT Continuing

5,359
Full-time continuing students
2,393 men, 2,966 women
Diversity: 48%

Part-Time Students

All Students

18,469
All students total
8,414 men, 10,055 women
Diversity: 50%

Transfer

1,196
Transfer-in students
522 men, 674 women
Diversity: 67%

Continuing

11,567
Continuing students
5,125 men, 6,442 women
Diversity: 47%

Non-Degree

1,829
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
789 men, 1,040 women
Diversity: 48%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

5,522
White
2,670
Black/African American
44,822
Hispanic/Latino
6,834
Asian
64
International
Diversity Index: 49% Minority Students: 85%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Southwestern College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Southwestern College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 33,061 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (93.6%) in a traditional academic setting.
• Academic Intensity: 11,373 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 43% taking some online courses.
• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

6194216700

Address

900 Otay Lakes Rd.

Chula Vista, CA 91910-7299

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials