Established in 1961, Southwestern College is one of 113 public community colleges in the state of California and the only institute of higher education located in the southern portion of San Diego County. Its location -- nestled between the City of San Diego and the U.S.-Mexico international border on a 156-acre plot -- positions it to play an important role in the intellectual growth of the more than 400,000 residents that call South County home. Serving approximately 20,000 students every semester, Southwestern College offers more than 320 associate degree and certificate options.