Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) students, parents, friends and families, people from the Big Spring community and state leaders have also contributed to what SWCID is today. Special recognition should be given to Dr. Robert C. Mehan who had a significant impact during the formative years of SWCID to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing cultures. Dr. Mehan, as then Director of Pupil Personnel Services at the Texas School for he Deaf, first influenced SWCID with his membership on the SWCID Advisory Committee in 1982. He then joined SWCID as Dean of Instruction on October 1, 1983, moving to the main campus of Howard College during the 1984-85 academic years where he served as HC Vice-President for Instruction. During the next six years, he worked closely with the SWCID and HC administration, faculty and staff in an effort to align the communication and education efforts between the HC and SWCID campuses.
School Highlights
Southwest College for the Deaf serves 84 students (51% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 2:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
Enrollment: 84 students
In-state tuition: $3,512
Out-state tuition: $12,572
Student:teacher ratio: 2:1
Minority enrollment: 85%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Southwest College for the Deaf has grown by 27% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 2:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Southwest College for the Deaf diversity score of 0.77 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has grown by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
84 students
1,396 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
2:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
43 students
890 students
# Part-Time Students
41 students
4,022 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
84 students
403 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
43 students
890 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
40 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
41 students
4,022 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
47 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
52 students
252 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
3%
n/a
% Asian
3%
6%
% Hispanic
35%
46%
% Black
13%
14%
% White
15%
26%
% Hawaiian
25%
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
2%
2%
% Unknown races
3%
3%
Diversity Score
0.77
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.5%
0.5469%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3357%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,400
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,512 is more than the state average of $3,316. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $12,572 is more than the state average of $5,750. The out-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,512
$3,316
Out-State Tuition Fees
$12,572
$5,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,274
$10,765
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,750
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
81%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwest College for the Deaf cost?
Southwest College for the Deaf's tuition is approximately $3,512 for In-State students and $12,572 for Out-State students.
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