Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions. We have answers.How much does a Southwest Tech program cost?
Students who attend Southwest Tech pay tuition based on the number of credits for which they are enrolled each month. Tuition for most programs is $95.00 per credit hour. Tuition for the Commercial Driver’s License Class A program is $295.00 per credit hour. Adult students also pay all applicable fees.
High school students do not pay tuition; however, the majority of courses require students to pay applicable fees. Fees may include the cost of:
- Study guides and books
- Consumable supplies
- Specialized clothing
- Equipment and tools
Why is the cost so low?
When the Utah State Legislature created the Utah System of Technical Colleges (UTech), they mandated that UTech provide low-cost training to adults and not charge tuition to high school students.
Do you offer financial aid?
Currently, Southwest Tech is able to offer financial aid through funds to those who qualify through the Federal Government’s Pell Grant program. Please keep in mind that federal financial aid is limited to eligible programs. Southwest Tech also has a scholarship program and considers applications monthly. Some students receive tuition assistance through the Deseret Industries, Department of Workforce Services, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Veterans Administration. Click here for financial aid resources.
Do you take walk-ins?
Certainly! Just drop by our main campus located at 757 W 800 S, Cedar City, UT. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
How do I sign up for courses?
If you are interested in short community courses, click here.
Do I need a high school diploma to be admitted?
No. A high school diploma is not an admissions requirement.
Do you offer the GED test?
What hours is Student Services open?
Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
How long does it take to complete my training?
The length of time to complete training is completely dependent on the program chosen. In many programs, the length of training depends on the student’s own flexibility and pace based on the open-entry, competency-based format.
Do you guarantee me a job when I complete my training?
At Southwest Tech, we pride ourselves in helping graduates get jobs in the fields they trained for. While we cannot guarantee employment after completing a program, we have a great record of job placement due to our strong industry partnerships.
What are the high school students doing at Southwest Tech?
High school students are allowed to take technical education courses from Southwest Tech as part of their high school program. Students come from Canyon View, Cedar, and Parowan high schools to attend college classes. The Southwest Educational Academy (SEA), Iron County School District’s alternate high school, also has students attending Southwest Tech.
What do you mean by open-entry, competency-based education?
Southwest Tech does not operate on a traditional semester-based schedule. The open-entry format allows students to start a program with more flexibility. Open-entry programs have start dates almost every month of the year.
Our competency-based curriculums are set up to teach students a set of skills and then test for mastery on those skills with an instructor. When mastery of the skill has been proven, the student moves on to the next course.
Do I receive anything when I complete my program?
As part of the Utah System of Higher Education, Southwest Tech is responsible for providing applied technology education that results in appropriate licensing, certification, or skill training to qualify students for specific employment. Southwest Tech offers a broad range of long-term and short-term certificate training.
What makes Southwest Tech different from other state colleges?
Southwest Tech offers year-round schedules, flexible lab and classroom hours, and a large selection of courses and programs. Our programs are affordable, local and we support high school and adult students in exploring and developing marketable skills. We pride ourselves on providing authentic, hands-on experiences and connecting our graduates with fulfilling careers in technical fields.
Will my courses transfer to another educational institution?
Southwest Technical College works closely with Southern Utah University, and has fostered a unique dual enrollment agreement with them. As a result, many course credits at Southwest Tech will count towards an SUU degree. For more information on this dual enrollment partnership, click here.
In addition, Snow College’s “TechConnect” program provides transfer credits for courses completed at Southwest Tech. Click here to read more about how TechConnect can further your educational goals.
Finally, high school students can receive high school credit upon successful completion of most courses taken at Southwest Tech.
What degrees are offered?
Southwest Tech does not currently award traditional college degrees.
Is Southwest Tech accredited?
Southwest Technical College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. Information regarding accreditation may be obtained at:
Council on occupational education
7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350
Telephone (local): 770-396-3898
Fax: 770-396-3790
council.org
I'm Graduating from high school. How do I enroll?
Enrolling as a graduated/graduating high school student is easy! Just call us at 435-586-2899 and talk to our enrollment technicians, click HERE to fill out an application, or Check our our GET STARTED webpage.