About Southwestern Community College
Southwestern Community College District, the only public institution of higher education in southern San Diego County, provides services to a diverse community of students by providing a wide range of dynamic and high-quality academic programs and comprehensive student services, including those offered through distance education. The College District also stimulates the development and growth of the region through its educational, economic and workforce opportunities, community partnerships and services.
The Southwestern Community College District, located south of San Diego and extending to the U.S.-Mexico border, is one of 72 community college districts in the California Community College system. It serves as the primary source of public higher education for approximately 400,000 residents of the South San Diego County area including the communities of Bonita, Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, Nestor, Otay Mesa, Palm City, San Ysidro and Sunnyside.
The College began offering classes to 1,657 students in 1961, with temporary quarters at Chula Vista High School. Groundbreaking for the present 156-acre Chula Vista campus was held in 1963; by September 1964, initial construction was completed, and classes were being held at the new campus on the corner of Otay Lakes Road and H Street in Chula Vista.
In 1988, Southwestern College established its Higher Education Center at San Ysidro on the memorial site of the McDonalds tragedy. The College again expanded its off-campus locations in 1998 by establishing the Higher Education Center at National City. A new Higher Educational Center at Otay Mesa opened its doors in 2007 as a regional center for educational training and development. In 2009, a new state-of-the-art facility replaced the previous San Ysidro site to serve its students and the community.
In addition to its centers, Southwestern College also provides off-campus classes at several extension sites throughout the District and operates an Aquatic Center in Coronado in conjunction with the California Department of Boating and Waterways and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Current enrollment—at all locations—exceeds 20,000 students. More than a half-million students have attended Southwestern College since its inception.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has continuously accredited SWC. The College offers a comprehensive curriculum, preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities and for jobs and career advancement.
Southwestern Community College District is the premier public institution of higher education in Southern San Diego County that serves a diverse community of students by providing quality academic programs, comprehensive student support services that ensure equitable access, and clear pathways to student success.
Southwestern Community College District promotes learning and success to prepare students to become critical thinkers and engaged life-long learners/global citizens. The District is committed to continuous improvements through the use of data-informed planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Southwestern Community College District utilizes a variety of instructional modalities to provide educational and career opportunities in the following areas: Associate degree and certificate programs, transfer, professional, technical and career advancement, foundational skills, personal enrichment, and continuing education.
Governing Board approved August 12, 2024
Student Success - Southwestern College provides a student-centered environment, through equitable access, opportunity, support, and clear pathways that enable students to achieve their educational and professional goals.
Equity - Southwestern College intentionally identifies and removes barriers to cultivate success for all, and purposely addresses the effects of systemic inequities.
Scholarship - Southwestern College inspires students to become lifelong learners and responsible global thinkers.
Professional Excellence - Southwestern College continuously supports and educates all employees to ensure effective collaboration, support student success, and uphold the highest professional standards.
Cultural Proficiency - Southwestern College engages in cultural proficiency by providing a rich learning environment that embraces our cultural differences and experiences.
Sustainability of Stewardship - Southwestern College utilizes natural, financial and physical resources effectively, equitably, and respectfully.
Community - Southwestern College bridges the gap between higher education, civic engagement, and economic well-being to the community we serve.
Inclusionary Practices - Southwestern College actively honors and respects diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.
Southwestern College is the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.