Memphis is served by Southwest Tennessee Community College, a public two-year college that reaches beyond one central address. Its current directory lists two main campuses—Macon Cove in the east and Union Avenue between downtown and Midtown—plus the Maxine A. Smith Center in southeast Memphis and the Whitehaven Center in South Memphis. The college traces its present form to the 2000 merger of Shelby State Community College and the State Technical Institute at Memphis, bringing liberal-arts transfer study and technical training under one district.
Choosing a route into college
First-time applicants generally begin with an online application and a high-school diploma or recognized equivalent such as a GED or HiSET. Transfer applicants send official records from every college attended; returning, visiting and international students follow different checklists. New students complete admission and financial-aid steps, orientation and advising before registering. Placement results help determine course level, and selective programs in nursing and allied health add their own prerequisites and application calendars. Southwest lists more than 140 programs, ranging from university-transfer degrees to technical certificates and career-focused associate degrees.
What a semester costs
For 2026–27, Southwest’s published fee table lists in-state tuition at $197 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition at $342. For a 12-credit semester, the college’s itemized table totals $2,542 for an in-state student and $4,294 for an out-of-state student, including the listed technology and mandatory fees. Some health programs add a program fee; books, transportation and living costs are separate. The college’s cost-of-attendance estimate includes those wider expenses, so compare the tuition table with your actual program and financial-aid package before budgeting.
Where aid can change the calculation
Southwest uses the FAFSA to assess federal and state aid; its federal school code is 010439. Eligible high-school graduates in Tennessee may apply for TN Promise, which covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees after gift aid and includes mentoring and community-service requirements. The Class of 2027 application closes November 2, 2026, and its FAFSA deadline is April 1, 2027. Adult Tennessee residents may qualify for TN Reconnect if they meet the state’s requirements, including independent-student status, at least six credits, FAFSA completion and no prior associate or bachelor’s degree. Foundation scholarships and emergency or book assistance offer additional, criteria-based options; availability and deadlines change by award.
English support before and during a degree
Students who want English support can request an ESL placement assessment and meet with an adviser. Southwest lists four credit-bearing courses: beginning listening and speaking, beginning reading and writing, intermediate English and high-intermediate English. The department also offers ESL sections of composition, academic success and communication courses, which can help students build language skills alongside college work. The first two beginning courses count as electives at Southwest but are not designed to transfer to another university. Check the current class schedule and speak with ESL advising before planning a sequence.
One district, four different study locations
Macon Cove Campus combines technical and culinary programs with a library, gym, tutoring and core enrollment services; MATA’s current Route 53 serves the college. Union Avenue Campus is the health-sciences hub, with nursing, allied health, a theatre, gymnasium and student-support offices. The neighborhood sites have more focused roles: Maxine A. Smith Center brings classrooms, science labs, tutoring and professional programs to southeast Memphis, while Whitehaven Center houses the 63-credit Funeral Service Education degree and other classes. The course schedule identifies the teaching location for each section.
From admission to a first class
Use Southwest’s admission checklist to choose the correct applicant type, then compare the 2026–27 tuition table with the published aid options. Complete the FAFSA and review TN Promise or TN Reconnect if you may qualify. English learners can use the ESL placement and advising page. Once admitted, confirm the campus code, room and transit or parking details in the live schedule before setting out.
Check current details and choose according to your budget, time and way of travelling.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus
5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
Macon Cove is Southwest’s larger eastern campus, at 5983 Macon Cove near the I-40 and I-240 interchange. The college describes a 100-acre setting with a lake, classroom buildings and the Bert Bornblum Library. Its location and scale make it the district’s main base for many technology programs, as w
The eastern Memphis campus for technical and culinary programs, with admissions, financial aid, tutoring, a library, child care, a gym and marked parking areas.
Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus
737 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
Union Avenue sits at 737 Union Avenue between downtown and Midtown, a short distance from Memphis’s medical district and cultural venues. It is Southwest’s second main campus and the home base for nursing, allied health and natural-science instruction. The college also places communication, graphics
The downtown–Midtown campus for nursing, allied health and natural sciences, with a theatre, gymnasium, library, advising, admissions and student support.
Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center
8800 East Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38125
The Maxine A. Smith Center is a three-story, 67,300-square-foot learning site at 8800 East Shelby Drive in southeast Memphis, serving nearby neighborhoods and students travelling from Collierville, Germantown and Olive Branch. Rather than function as another full-size main campus, it brings college
A neighborhood learning center in southeast Memphis with classrooms, science labs, a library, academic support, childcare and programs in aviation, business, cyber defense and public service.
Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center
1234 Finley Road, Memphis, TN 38116
Whitehaven Center is at 1234 Finley Road, in the Whitehaven neighborhood near Methodist South Hospital, Whitehaven High School and Graceland. Southwest converted a former grocery store into this 44,000-square-foot center, designed for as many as 1,500 students. Its scale makes it a recognizable neig
A 44,000-square-foot neighborhood center near Graceland, home to Southwest’s Funeral Service Education degree and other academic classes, with tutoring, a library and student lounge.
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Macon Cove Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Union Avenue Campus ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Maxine A. Smith Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Southwest Tennessee Community College — Whitehaven Center ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Tennessee Higher Education Commission / College for TN · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Memphis Area Transit Authority · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Southwest Tennessee Community College · Accessed October 25, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.