Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southwestern Community College

Creston, IA

Total Enrollment

2,982

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

41

41 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,428

2,982 part-time

Total FTE

1,080

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
2,982
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 41
High diversity
~73 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Substantial
Well-equipped facilities and resources

What This Means

Southwestern Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 2,982 students across 41 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Southwestern Community College serves 2,982 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 41 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,428 (44.9%)
44.9%
Part-Time Students 2,982 (55.1%)
55.1%
Total Students 5,410

Majority part-time students (55.1%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (81.4%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.4%
1,772 students
Men
40.6%
1,210 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
85.8%
2,558 students
White
85.8% (2,558)
Hispanic/Latino
6.0% (178)
Black/African American
2.7% (80)
Two or More Races
2.1% (64)
International Students
1.7% (52)
Asian
0.6% (19)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.3% (9)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 2,982 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 86% of the student body (2,558 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.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

5,410 students

42% Men, 58% Women
2,428 Full-time
Diversity Index: 29% • Minority Students: 11%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

638
All full-time students
279 men, 359 women
Diversity: 34%

FT Undergraduate

638
Full-time undergraduate
279 men, 359 women
Diversity: 34%

FT Degree-Seeking

576
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
259 men, 317 women
Diversity: 34%

FT First-Time

243
Full-time first-time students
121 men, 122 women
Diversity: 31%

FT Continuing

333
Full-time continuing students
138 men, 195 women
Diversity: 36%

Part-Time Students

All Students

1,633
All students total
668 men, 965 women
Diversity: 26%

Transfer

73
Transfer-in students
20 men, 53 women
Diversity: 57%

Continuing

417
Continuing students
146 men, 271 women
Diversity: 28%

Non-Degree

859
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
376 men, 483 women
Diversity: 20%

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

4,522
White
194
Black/African American
334
Hispanic/Latino
23
Asian
160
International
Diversity Index: 29% Minority Students: 11%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

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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.

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 Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 2,982 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (81.4%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 1,080 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
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.

Contact Information

Address

1501 West Townline Street

Creston, IA 50801

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