by our College Data Analytics TeamReview current in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees for Southwestern Community College, along with how those costs compare to other schools and how they have changed.
In the latest reported year, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at Southwestern Community College stood at $8,064 annually. Out-of-state undergraduates paid $8,316. The difference reflects the in-state residency discount.
Of that total, required fees totaled $468 in-state and $468 out-of-state; what is left is base tuition.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,596 | $7,848 |
| Fees | $468 | $468 |
| Total | $8,064 | $8,316 |
The amounts shown cover one academic year and do not include room and board.
Keep in mind that a number of students receive financial aid and scholarships that cut the price they ultimately pay. The totals here are the list price.
How much will Southwestern Community College charge part-time students? Go to the Cost Per Credit Hour page for specifics.
For perspective, here is how Southwestern Community College costs compare against other schools. Each label reflects how the school sits versus the average of that group.
| Nationwide | In IA | Similar Colleges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Inexpensive | Inexpensive | Inexpensive |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Inexpensive | Inexpensive | Average |
Measured against schools nationwide, Southwestern Community College is comparatively affordable.
Remember that a school can look pricey on sticker price alone yet be a better deal after financial aid. See the Southwestern Community College Financial Aid page for details.
Here’s how tuition at Southwestern Community College has moved over the last few reported years.
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $6,170 | $6,394 |
| Two Years Ago | $6,394 | $6,618 |
| One Year Ago | $6,634 | $6,858 |
| Most Recent Year | $7,596 | $7,848 |
Below, the chart plots how tuition at SWCC has trended over the reported years.
Year over year, out-of-state tuition increased 14.4%. Carrying the same rate forward one year puts tuition + fees around $9,516 next year.
Tuition generally rises year after year at most schools, so plan for the cost in later years to exceed today’s posted rate.
See answers to frequently asked questions about college tuition and fees for additional information.
Averaged across those years, in-state tuition and fees increased by 7.25%, which puts the in-state figure next year near $8,648. For students from out of state, the yearly pace was 7.15%, so next year out-of-state students could pay around $8,910.
Holding that rate, here is how tuition and fees could track over the next five years:
| Academic Year | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Next Year | $8,648 | $8,910 |
| In 2 Years | $9,275 | $9,547 |
| In 3 Years | $9,947 | $10,229 |
| In 4 Years | $10,668 | $10,960 |
| In 5 Years | $11,441 | $11,744 |
Budgeting for four years rather than one is the safer way to plan — the running four-year out-of-state total projects near $39,646, versus roughly $38,538 for in-state students.
A tuition number is just one part of the picture — financial aid can change the actual price a family pays substantially.
To learn about financial aid at Southwestern Community College, see the Southwestern Community College Financial Aid page.
