Southwestern Illinois College Market Research Report

Background

Established in 1946 as Belleville Junior College, Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) is a public community college serving over 300,000 residents in Community College District 522. With campuses in Belleville, Granite City, and Red Bud, as well as off-campus sites including Scott Air Force Base and the East St. Louis Community College Center, SWIC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs. The college's mission is to provide affordable, quality education and to foster lifelong learning within the community.

Key Strategic Focus

SWIC's strategic objectives include offering comprehensive associate degrees and certificates, facilitating seamless transfer to four-year institutions, and providing workforce development programs tailored to regional industry needs. The college emphasizes technical education, with notable programs in aviation, nursing, and welding, and has established partnerships with industry leaders to enhance its curriculum and training opportunities.

Financials and Funding

As of the end of the 2022 fiscal year, SWIC's endowment was valued at approximately $5.84 million, reflecting an 11% growth from the previous year. The college's total salary expenditure for 2022 was $105 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $10.1 million across 148 employees.

Pipeline Development

SWIC continually develops its academic offerings to meet evolving educational and workforce demands. Recent initiatives include the approval of a fixed-wing aviation program and the launch of the West Star Aviation Academy, aimed at providing specialized training in the aviation sector. Additionally, the college has expanded vocational training programs in East St. Louis, offering courses in welding, nursing assistance, and HVAC, supported by state grants.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SWIC integrates advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance educational delivery and student engagement. The college offers online and accelerated courses, utilizes video telecommunications to connect campuses, and provides smart classrooms equipped with the latest technology. These innovations support a diverse range of learning styles and improve accessibility for students across the district.

Leadership Team

Nick Mance: President of Southwestern Illinois College, overseeing the institution's strategic direction and operations.

Rena Thoele: Executive Director of the SWIC Foundation, responsible for fundraising and development initiatives.

Angie McVey: Senior Coordinator of College Advancement, focusing on enhancing the college's community engagement and outreach efforts.

Sandy Joyce: Scholarship Assistant, managing scholarship programs and student support services.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within SWIC's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Illinois community college system comprises 39 public community college districts, encompassing 48 colleges. These institutions collectively serve a diverse student population, offering a range of academic and vocational programs. The market is characterized by a focus on affordability, accessibility, and alignment with regional workforce needs.

Competitor Analysis

Illinois Central College (ICC)

Enrollment: 7,044 students

In-State Tuition: $9,900

Out-of-State Tuition: $11,700

Average Net Price: $11,559

Graduation Rate: 44%

Median Earnings After 10 Years: $33,700

ICC offers a range of associate degrees and certificates, with a focus on transfer programs and workforce development. The college's higher tuition rates and net price may influence student enrollment decisions, particularly for cost-conscious individuals.

Kaskaskia College

Enrollment: 3,370 students

Endowment: $7.4 million

Campus Size: 190 acres

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Kaskaskia College offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates, emphasizing technical education and workforce training. The college's substantial endowment supports its mission to provide affordable education and community services.

John Wood Community College (JWCC)

Enrollment: 1,718 students

Campus Size: 206.32 acres

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

JWCC offers a range of associate degrees and certificates, with a focus on transfer programs and technical education. The college's rural campus and smaller enrollment may appeal to students seeking a more intimate learning environment.

Shawnee Community College (SCC)

Enrollment: 1,174 students

Campus Size: 152 acres

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

SCC offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates, emphasizing transfer programs and workforce development. The college's multiple campuses and extension centers enhance accessibility for students in the region.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SWIC has established numerous partnerships with industry leaders, including West Star Aviation, to enhance its aviation programs. The college also collaborates with local businesses and organizations to provide workforce training and development opportunities, aligning its curriculum with regional economic needs.

Operational Insights

SWIC's strategic considerations include maintaining affordability, expanding program offerings in high-demand fields, and enhancing technological infrastructure to support diverse learning modalities. The college's partnerships with industry leaders and focus on workforce development position it competitively within the Illinois community college landscape.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SWIC's strategic roadmap includes expanding its aviation and technical education programs, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing online learning capabilities. By leveraging its existing strengths and aligning with regional workforce needs, the college aims to increase enrollment, improve student outcomes, and contribute to the economic development of the community.