Southwestern Community College

Overview

Southwestern Community College, located in Sylva, North Carolina, is a public, two-year institution nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, approximately 50 miles west of Asheville. Established in 1964, this college provides a diverse range of associate degree programs, diplomas, and certificates, with notable emphasis on health sciences, business technology, and public safety training. Southwestern Community College features an open admissions policy, welcoming a broad spectrum of applicants. The campus is designed to blend with the surrounding Appalachian landscape, offering facilities that support both academic pursuits and vocational training. Student housing is not provided on campus, encouraging a commuter culture among its student body. While the college does not have a prominent athletic program, it focuses on providing educational resources and support services designed to meet the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students in the region.

Southwestern Community College has an open admission policy which permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED holding student.  505 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,751 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $1,976 plus fees of $253.