Trade and career programs at Southwestern Community College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 67 | n/a | $69,271 | $7,945 |
| Electrician | Certificate | 40 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 32 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Certificate | 29 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 26 | n/a | $44,261 | n/a |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Certificate | 13 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Southwestern Community College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $8,352 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $21,059 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $12,751 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $10,194 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $10,615 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $11,345 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $15,385 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,410 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 66% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 68% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $43,908 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $9,982 in federal student loans.
- 27% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Southwestern Community College cost?
Tuition and fees are $8,352 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $12,751 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Southwestern Community College?
66% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
Is Southwestern Community College accredited?
Southwestern Community College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny: $6,030 a year
- Eastern Iowa Community College District, Davenport: $5,016 a year
- Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City: $5,306 a year
- Southeastern Community College, West Burlington: $6,660 a year
- North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City: $6,803 a year
- Aveda Institute-Des Moines, West Des Moines: $22,100 a year
More: all trade schools in Iowa · Southwestern Community College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.