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Southwest Tennessee Community College

Memphis, TN | Public | Community College | PBI

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public university in Memphis, TN earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 5,047 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

Families typically invest $4,754, about $12,244 less than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $30,317. That's about $13,371 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

Unranked
Ranking
Insufficient data
How We Rank Schools Lower tuitionPublic school option
At a Glance
Ranking
Not reported
Tuition
$4,778
Net Price
$4,754
4-Year Tuition
$19,112
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
Not reported
Student Population
5,047
Student-Faculty
20:1
Graduation Rate
Not reported
Retention Rate
Not reported
6-Yr Earnings
$30,317
ROI
Not reported

Who is Southwest Tennessee Community College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Families tracking affordability closely
First-gen or Pell-eligible support

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$4,286-$6,815 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Data not reported
Six-year completion data not reported.
Will you get a job?
Employment outlook unavailable
Employment rate data is not reported. Median earnings six years after entry are $30,317. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Southwest Tennessee Community College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

2-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$25,998
$12,999 × 2 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$9,508
$4,754 × 2.0 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 2.0 years | 4-Year Rate: N/A | 6-Year Rate: Not reported
Completion rate data is not available for this institution.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$12,999
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$4,754
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Program Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $4,778
Books and Supplies $1,545
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $12,999

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
41.3%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 41.3% of Southwest Tennessee Community College students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$4,286
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$4,304
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$6,567
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$6,796
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$6,815
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,286 annually, while high-income families pay $6,815. Use Southwest Tennessee Community College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$19,287
$30K-$48K families
~$19,368
$48K-$75K families
~$29,552
$75K-$110K families
~$30,582
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $6,796/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $6,815/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
Not reported
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $30,317
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $34,071
  • Average Years to Graduate 2.0 years
  • Average Student Debt Not reported
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
  • Employment Rate Not reported

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Southwest Tennessee Community College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $30,317 six years after enrollment — roughly 31% below the national median.
Payback Period
0.31 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Southwest Tennessee Community College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Southwest Tennessee Community College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Southwest Tennessee Community College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Selectivity Not Reported
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 5,047
  • Full-Time Students 54.7%
  • Part-Time Students 45.3%
  • Retention Rate Not reported
  • Graduation Rate Not reported
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1

How to Get Into Southwest Tennessee Community College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Southwest Tennessee Community College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Southwest Tennessee Community College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Southwest Tennessee Community College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 54.2%
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 10.3%
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.0%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 4.4%
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and A 3.5%
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General 2.6%
See more majors
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services 1.9%
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Profe 1.4%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Associate Degree Programs

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $71,775
  • 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $56,639
  • 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $48,290
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services $44,955
  • 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $38,553
  • 6. Computer and Information Sciences, General $33,171
  • 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $32,879
  • 8. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $18,739

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $71,775—283% more than Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions ($18,739). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Southwest Tennessee Community College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 94 graduates)
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 68 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree, 28 graduates)
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degree, 23 graduates)
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree, 19 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (16 programs)
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
  • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies
  • Computer Programming
  • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
  • Precision Metal Working
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
  • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 5,047
  • Full-Time Students 54.7%
  • Part-Time Students 45.3%
  • Male Students 31.6%
  • Female Students 68.4%
  • Caucasian 20.2%
  • Asian 2.0%
  • Hispanic 9.7%
  • Black 63.0%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 41.3%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Southwest Tennessee Community College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Southwest Tennessee Community College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

EDsmart Insight: Southwest Tennessee Community College has a diverse student body, with 20.2% identifying as White. Women make up 68.4% of undergraduates.

Our Take

Southwest Tennessee Community College serves as a highly accessible community college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $4,754 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $30,317 median earnings. Graduation rate data is not reported for this community college. Retention data is not available.

Community College Value: Southwest Tennessee Community College's Strengths

Unranked with a Unranked grade, Southwest Tennessee Community College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Community Colleges like Southwest Tennessee Community College excel at providing affordable education ($4,754 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.

Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.

Honest Assessment: Available data trail elite universities but align with typical community college performance. Career outcomes ($30,317 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Southwest Tennessee Community College and $4,754 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • Median earnings of $30,317 run about 31% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $4,754 is roughly $12,558 lower than the national median of $17,312.
  • 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
  • Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
Red Flags
  • Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates Southwest Tennessee Community College—a public university in Memphis, TN—at Unranked overall. Category results include Completion (Unranked), Support (Unranked), Career Outcomes (Unranked), and Affordability (Unranked).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $4,754 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $12,999.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $8,245 per year.

Federal loan data is not available for this institution.

About 41.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Median earnings come in near $30,317 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 31% below typical U.S. college outcomes.

Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.

Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Southwest Tennessee Community College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
0.00 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Southwest Tennessee Community College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Southwest Tennessee Community College Website →

Similar Schools

Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes

Similar schools data is not available. Use our search to find comparable institutions.

Nearby Schools

Other campuses you might consider

Note: EDsmart’s national college rankings compare four-year, bachelor’s-granting institutions. Certificate- and trade-focused schools are not included in that ranking pool. The schools below are four-year references in the same state only, not peer comparisons.

Other Tennessee campuses you might consider

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
A #13 of 4,204
American Baptist College
Nashville, TN
A- #108 of 4,204
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
A- #165 of 4,204
The University of the South
Sewanee, TN
B+ #209 of 4,204

Contact Information

  • AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
  • Endowment$1.9M

Data Source & Methodology