Southwestern College is the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County.
More than 500,000 students have attended Southwestern College since it opened its doors 50 years ago.
Students attend Southwestern College to prepare for transfer to four-year colleges or universities and/or to attain skill training for jobs and career advancements.
Total combined enrollment of the main campus in Chula Vista, the Higher Education Center at Otay Mesa, and the Higher Education Center at National City exceeds 20,000.
The average age of students attending Southwestern College is 25, reflective of the College's appeal to both the traditional high school student and the older, adult learner.
Southwestern College offers the Associate of Arts degree in some 50 different majors; the Associate of Science degree in more than 80 different majors; Career Technical Education Certificates in over 100 different majors; as well as a host of non-credit offerings for personal and professional development.
Of the more than 1,100 community colleges nationwide, Southwestern College consistently places in the top 100 in the number of associate degrees conferred.
The California community college system is comprised of 109 two-year public institutions. The colleges are organized into 72 districts and serve more than 2.9 million students – representing the largest system of higher education in the world.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has continuously accredited Southwestern College since 1964.
