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SOWELA Technical Community College

Lake Charles, LA·Public·2,979 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 2,979 students.

N/A
Accept
2,979
Students
$8,861
Net Price
N/A
Grad Rate
$44,000
Earnings
10 yr
$4,250
Debt

About This School

SOWELA Technical Community College is a public institution located in Lake Charles, Louisiana with approximately 2,979 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $8,861 per year. Typical graduates earn $44,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

SOWELA Technical Community College is a public community college in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with an additional instruction site in Jennings and Oakdale. The school's mascot is the Flying Tigers, named for World War II General Clair Chennault's 1st American Volunteer Group and their P-40 aircraft adorned with a shark-faced motif. SOWELA's Lake Charles campus was developed on property formerly used as Chennault Air Force Base.

This is a strong option for students looking to enter the workforce quickly without taking on heavy debt — graduates leave with just $4,250 in median debt, which is remarkably low compared to most colleges. The $44,000 median earnings at 10 years out is modest but reasonable for a technical community college, especially given the affordable net price of $8,861 per year. Worth considering if you want a practical, career-focused credential in Southwest Louisiana without the financial burden that follows so many college students.

Founded
1938
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing15%
Health Professions7%
Computer Science5%
Visual & Performing Arts0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$4,265
Out-of-State Tuition
$4,265
Avg Net Price
$8,861
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants42%
Median debt at graduation$4,250

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
N/A
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$4,250
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$4,250
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$44,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 10.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White64%
Black23%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,979 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

SOWELA Technical Community College

3820 Senator J. Bennett Johnston Ave

Lake Charles, LA 70615

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Louisiana

Browse all Louisiana schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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