Trade and career programs at SOWELA Technical 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Certificate | 287 | n/a | $63,577 | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 167 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 91 | $53,028 | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Certificate | 86 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 67 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 63 | n/a | $46,806 | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Associate degree | 33 | $48,435 | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Certificate | 29 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Plumbing | Certificate | 18 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Culinary arts | Associate degree | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
SOWELA Technical Community College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $4,305 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $15,188 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $6,795 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $7,130 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $6,450 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $5,703 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $7,554 |
| Over $110,000 | $10,608 |
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
- 49% 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).
- 59% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $39,491 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- 45% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SOWELA Technical Community College cost?
Tuition and fees are $4,305 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $6,795 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at SOWELA Technical Community College?
49% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do SOWELA Technical Community College graduates earn?
Electrician associate degree graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $53,028 one year after finishing.
Is SOWELA Technical Community College accredited?
SOWELA Technical Community College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Delta College West, Lake Charles: $18,700 a year
- Stage One-The Hair School, Lake Charles: $18,000 a year
- Delgado Community College, New Orleans: $4,422 a year
- Baton Rouge Community College, Baton Rouge: $4,419 a year
- South Louisiana Community College, Lafayette: $4,210 a year
- Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City: $4,339 a year
More: all trade schools in Louisiana · SOWELA Technical 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.