Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southwestern Community College

Sylva, NC

Total Enrollment

4,033

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

52

52 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,048

4,033 part-time

Total FTE

1,477

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
4,033
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 52
High diversity
~78 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Established
Well-established in vocational education
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Southwestern Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 4,033 students across 52 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Southwestern Community College serves 4,033 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 52 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,048 (33.7%)
33.7%
Part-Time Students 4,033 (66.3%)
66.3%
Total Students 6,081

Majority part-time students (66.3%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (50.8%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
62.9%
2,535 students
Men
37.1%
1,498 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
73.1%
2,949 students
White
73.1% (2,949)
Hispanic/Latino
11.1% (448)
American Indian/Alaska Native
8.3% (333)
Two or More Races
2.4% (97)
Black/African American
1.8% (71)
Asian
1.6% (64)
International Students
0.3% (14)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (4)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (63%) across 4,033 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 73% of the student body (2,949 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 63% of students.

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

6,081 students

37% Men, 63% Women
2,048 Full-time
Diversity Index: 45% • Minority Students: 23%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

544
All full-time students
192 men, 352 women
Diversity: 46%

FT Undergraduate

544
Full-time undergraduate
192 men, 352 women
Diversity: 46%

FT Degree-Seeking

480
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
171 men, 309 women
Diversity: 46%

FT First-Time

91
Full-time first-time students
37 men, 54 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Continuing

389
Full-time continuing students
134 men, 255 women
Diversity: 45%

Part-Time Students

All Students

2,109
All students total
787 men, 1,322 women
Diversity: 45%

Transfer

170
Transfer-in students
60 men, 110 women
Diversity: 38%

Continuing

949
Continuing students
294 men, 655 women
Diversity: 47%

Non-Degree

805
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
357 men, 448 women
Diversity: 41%

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

4,427
White
127
Black/African American
666
Hispanic/Latino
98
Asian
22
International
Diversity Index: 45% Minority Students: 23%

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 Community 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 Community College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 4,033 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (50.8%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
• Academic Intensity: 1,477 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.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8283394000

Address

447 College Drive

Sylva, NC 28779

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