Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southwestern Community College

Sylva, NC

Total Enrollment

2,109

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

81 programs

Full-Time Students

544

1,565 part-time

Total FTE

1,477

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

11:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

468

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

853

Total Recent Graduates

Southwestern Community College serves 2,109 students, providing focused education with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 81 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 544 (25.8%)

25.8%

Part-Time Students 1,565 (74.2%)

74.2%

Total Students 2,109

Majority part-time students (74.2%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (25.8%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

62.7%

1,322 students

Men

37.3%

787 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

72.8%

1,535 students

White

72.8% (1,535)

Hispanic/Latino

11.4% (241)

American Indian/Alaska Native

8.3% (175)

Two or More Races

2.4% (51)

Black/African American

1.8% (38)

Asian

1.5% (32)

International Students

0.4% (8)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (2)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (63%) across 2,109 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 73% of the student body (1,535 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

2,109 students

37% Men, 63% Women

544 Full-time 1,565 Part-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

Full-time first-time students

37 men, 54 women

Diversity: 49%

FT Continuing

389

Full-time continuing students

134 men, 255 women

Diversity: 45%

FT Transfer

Full-time transfer students

13 men, 36 women

Diversity: 45%

FT Continuing

340

Full-time other continuing

121 men, 219 women

Diversity: 45%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

21 men, 43 women

Diversity: 40%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,565

All part-time students

595 men, 970 women

Diversity: 45%

PT Undergraduate

1,565

Part-time undergraduate

595 men, 970 women

Diversity: 45%

PT Degree-Seeking

824

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

259 men, 565 women

Diversity: 47%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

39 men, 55 women

Diversity: 56%

PT Continuing

730

Part-time continuing students

220 men, 510 women

Diversity: 46%

PT Transfer

121

Part-time transfer students

47 men, 74 women

Diversity: 35%

PT Continuing

609

Part-time other continuing

173 men, 436 women

Diversity: 48%

PT Non-Degree

741

Part-time non-degree seeking

336 men, 405 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

1,535

White

Black/African American

241

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

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.

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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.

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: Mid-sized training facility with 2,109 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.

• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.

• Academic Intensity: 1,477 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.

• Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (11:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.

• 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 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