Southwest Tennessee Community College
General Information of Southwest Tennessee Community College
Overview
Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public, open‑access community college located in Memphis, Tennessee and serves as a key educational institution for the Mid‑South region. Formed via merger in 2000, the college emerged from the consolidation of Shelby State Community College and the State Technical Institute at Memphis. With a mission anchored in providing affordable, accessible education, the institution offers certificates and associate degrees that respond to student, employer and community needs.
Emphasizing student success, economic development and personal enrichment, the college fosters a learning environment that accommodates diverse academic backgrounds, working adults, traditional students and community learners alike. Its multiple campus sites throughout Shelby County enable broad geographic access, and its academic offerings span liberal arts, professional technical programs, health sciences and transfer pathways. In short, Southwest Tennessee Community College plays a critical role in workforce development and higher‑education access, making it a practical choice for students seeking flexible instruction, transfer‑readiness or vocational credentials in a supportive environment.
Contact Information
Address: 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, Tennessee 38134, United States Niche+1
Phone Number: 901‑333‑7822 (Main campus office) Tennessee Board of Regents
Email Address: admissions@southwest.tn.edu (Admissions Office) Tennessee Board of Regents
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 2000 (merger completed July 1 2000) Vikipedi+1 |
| Type | Public community college |
| Location | Memphis, Tennessee (urban) |
| Degrees/Programs Offered | Certificates and Associate degrees in multiple fields Tennessee Board of Regents |
| Student Enrollment | ~6,980 students (Fall 2023) datausa.io+1 |
| Mission | To anticipate and respond to the educational needs of students, employers and communities in Shelby & Fayette counties and the surrounding Mid‑South region Tennessee Board of Regents |
Southwest Tennessee Community College Rankings
| Ranking Source | National / U.S. Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| EduRank Overall Institution Rank | Approximately #1,200–1,300 among U.S. institutions | — |
| Niche Overall Grade | Grade C+ for overall (based on student reviews) Niche | — |
| College Scorecard Net Price | Average net price ~$5,078 per year for undergraduates datausa.io | — |
Southwest Tennessee Community College Academics
Southwest Tennessee Community College Faculties / Departments
Academically, Southwest Tennessee Community College is organized into major instructional divisions rather than traditional “faculties” or schools. Key academic units include:
- Division of Arts and Sciences
- Division of Business and Technology
- Division of Health Sciences and Public Service
- Division of Transfer and University Parallel Programs
- Division of Workforce, Technical & Community Engagement
These divisions collaborate across the Memphis urban region to deliver associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce credentials and transfer‑ready courses to four‑year institutions. Tennessee Board of Regents+1
Southwest Tennessee Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
Southwest Tennessee Community College offers a wide array of programs designed for transfer, vocational careers and workforce entry. Some of the most common program tracks include:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees for students transferring to four‑year universities
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in areas such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Services, Criminal Justice, Engineering Technology datausa.io+1
- Certificate and technical credentials in fields such as Medical Laboratory Assistant, Computer Network Specialist, Airframe and Powerplant Technology, Aviation Operations Technology Tennessee Board of Regents+1
- Continuing education and workforce development programs tailored to employer and community needs
Online Learning
Southwest Tennessee Community College offers online courses and some hybrid program options to support flexible schedules for working adults and part‑time learners. According to student reviews, the college accommodates online coursework and evening classes to fit diverse student populations. Niche While full online degrees may be limited, the institution emphasizes flexible delivery modalities and support for non‑traditional students.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| Student‑Faculty Ratio | Approximately 19 : 1 according to student survey data Niche |
| Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT) | Not broadly reported; open‑access admission suggests minimal standardized requirements |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Retention for first‑time full‑time students at Southwest Tennessee Community College in 2023 was approximately 53%. datausa.io The six‑year graduation rate is approximately 19.3% for full‑time first‑time students. datausa.io These outcomes reflect the institution’s broad mission, large part‑time and adult learner population, and the challenge of balancing education with other commitments in a community college setting.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Southwest Tennessee Community College is open‑access for most students. Applicants generally must present a high school diploma or GED; there are no strictly defined minimum GPA or standardized test score thresholds reported in the publicly available data. The open‑entry model supports accessibility for a wide range of learners.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (overall) | Approximately 100% acceptance rate (based on older data) datausa.io+1 |
Southwest Tennessee Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete an online or paper application, submit official high school transcript or GED certificate, provide proof of identification, and complete placement assessments if necessary. For students planning to enroll in specialized programs (e.g., nursing or certain technical fields), program‑specific requirements such as prerequisite coursework, health clearances, or additional screening may apply. The college emphasizes readiness for college‑level work and supports bridging programs for underprepared students.
Application Process
- Complete the college application form and submit required fees
- Submit high school diploma or GED documentation and transcript
- Participate in placement testing or assessment, if required
- Meet with an admissions or academic advisor to select courses and plan schedule
- Enroll for classes and attend orientation
Southwest Tennessee Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program Type | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | Priority early registration recommended; open admission allows rolling entry |
| Spring Term | Applications typically accepted earlier in the prior semester |
Essay Prompt
For general admission, a formal essay prompt may not be required. However, specific programs—especially selective technical or health‑science tracks—may request a personal statement, resume of prior experience, or interview to evaluate candidate motivation and fit.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Scholarships
The college offers institutional scholarships, merit‑ and need‑based grants, and supports students with federal Pell Grants and state financial‑aid programs. Approximately 92% of students receive some form of financial aid. Niche+1
Southwest Tennessee Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| In‑State Undergraduate (2023) | Approximately $4,224 annual tuition for full‑time students datausa.io |
| Average Net Price After Aid | ~$5,078 per year after grants/loans datausa.io+1 |
Southwest Tennessee Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
In 2023, Southwest Tennessee Community College enrolled approximately 6,980 students. datausa.io+1 Among them, approximately 65.4% identify as Black or African American, 18.7% as White, and 9.8% as Hispanic/Latino. datausa.io Full‑time students represent about 40.2% of the population with the remainder enrolled part‑time. datausa.io
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A substantial portion of students are from low‑income backgrounds: in 2023 about 82% of students received grant aid. datausa.io The college provides accommodations and support services for students with disabilities, and its mission emphasizes serving learners with diverse educational backgrounds and needs. Tennessee Board of Regents
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~6,980 students (2023) datausa.io |
| Female Students (degrees 2023) | ~64.8% of degrees awarded to women datausa.io |
University Diversity
Southwest Tennessee Community College has a richly diverse student population that reflects its urban Memphis environment and mission of access. The majority minority enrollment and inclusive culture mean students engage with peers from varied racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. This diversity enhances learning by broadening students’ perspectives, fostering cultural competence and preparing graduates to work in varied communities. The college’s urban setting and open‑access admission policy promote educational equity and help reduce barriers to post‑secondary success. Furthermore, the emphasis on serving underserved populations, providing flexible schedules and supporting adult & part‑time learners enriches the campus environment as one of inclusion and real‑world relevance.
Average Earnings
While detailed alumni income data is limited for the institution, reports indicate median earnings five years after graduation are approximately $42,293 per year for associates‑level completions. Niche Given the wide variety of programs—from liberal arts transfer tracks to technical certificates—earnings vary by field, credential level and employment sector. Graduates who transfer to four‑year institutions often continue to higher paying roles, while those entering the workforce directly benefit from the affordability and workforce relevance of the college’s programs.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Southwest Tennessee Community College employs full‑time and part‑time faculty members, student‑services staff, career advisors, technical educators and support personnel across its campuses. According to 2023 data, there were approximately 164 full‑time instructional staff and 182 part‑time instructors. Vikipedi+1 This mix supports small class sizes, evening or flexible scheduling and the diverse student body characteristic of a community college.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty and instructional staff at Southwest Tennessee Community College bring a range of professional experience including teaching, technical workforce credentials, and industry practice in fields such as health sciences, business, technology and liberal arts. They support student success through accessible office hours, tutoring, mentorship and advisement tailored to adult learners, working students and first‑generation college attendees. Their applied backgrounds and commitment to teaching help students transition into employment or further education.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a community college with primary commuter student population, Southwest Tennessee Community College does not emphasize traditional residential life. Campuses are located throughout Memphis including Macon Cove Campus and Union Avenue Campus. Vikipedi Student life centers around academic engagement, student clubs, commuter services and adult‑learner support rather than dormitory life. Housing for students is typically off‑campus in surrounding neighborhoods, and the focus remains on flexible scheduling and accessibility rather than campus residential infrastructure.
Transportation
The campuses are situated in urban Memphis and accessible via local bus systems, commuter transit, driving and rideshare. Many students commute from across Shelby County and beyond. The decentralized campus model and commuter‑friendly infrastructure reflect the institution’s commitment to accessibility and real‑world convenience for students balancing work, family and study commitments.