Southwestern Community College was established in Sylva on December 1, 1964 as the Jackson County Industrial Education Center, a satellite of Ashville-Buncombe Technical Institute. Since achieving independent status in 1967, the College has greatly expanded its training and education services to residents of Jackson, Swain and Macon counties. Now Southwestern Community College is a comprehensive learning and teaching institution offering quality innovative instruction and support to all who need these services.

Including all diploma, certificate and associates degree curricula as well as concentrations, instruction is provided in more than 60 programs. Additionally to the Jackson Campus, the College opened a new Macon Campus in 2007 and also operates four centers located in Bryson City, Cherokee, Cashiers and Franklin. Over 2,600 students enroll annually in credit courses and more than 5,500 participate in a wide variety of courses, workshops and seminars offered through Continuing Education process.

Curriculum programs offered: Business Administration, College Transfer, Civil Engineering Technology, Computer Information Technology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, Health Information Technology, Human Services Substance Abuse, Real Estate, Surveying Technology, Networking Technology, Web Technology, Developmental Education Course work in Math, Reading and English. Additionally variety of continuing education classes available in the following areas: Arts and Crafts, Basic Skills and Literacy Training, Business and Industry Training, Occupational/Certification/Licensure Courses, Nursing Assistant and Small Business Center Courses.


Financial Aid
SCC Financial Aid Office help students to understand the financial aid process, to benefit by receiving the maximum amount of financial aid for which they are eligible.
Financial aid at Southwestern Community College is available in the form of grants, scholarships, part-time employment, and federal student loans to help meet financial need of students.