- Cleveland State Community College is an accredited public community college serving approximately 3,500 credit students and 1,500 non-credit students. Committed to quality education, Cleveland State operates within the governance of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
School Highlights
Cleveland State Community College serves 3,865 students (45% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 18:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 45%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 3,865 students
- In-state tuition: $4,400
- Out-state tuition: $17,216
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 19%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 248 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Cleveland State Community College
(TN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
248 staff
81 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cleveland State Community College has grown by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Cleveland State Community College diversity score of 0.33 is less than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has grown by 22% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,865 students
605 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
18:1

# Full-Time Students
1,725 students
400 students

# Part-Time Students
2,140 students
230 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
386 students
504 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,725 students
400 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,140 students
335 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
195 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
1%
4%

% Hispanic
8%
6%

% Black
6%
19%

% White
81%
55%

% Hawaiian
n/a
9%

% Two or more races
2%
3%

% Non Resident races
n/a
1%

% Unknown races
2%
3%


Diversity Score
0.33
0.65

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2922%
0.6038%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5213%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,100
$29,000

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,400 is less than the state average of $5,176. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $17,216 is more than the state average of $15,746. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,400
$5,176

Out-State Tuition Fees
$17,216
$15,746

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
98%
97%

Median Debt for Graduates
$8,000
$11,730

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$5,250

Acceptance Rate
100%
83%

SAT Reading
n/a
415
SAT Math
n/a
455
SAT Writing
n/a
469
ACT Total Avg.
56
58
ACT Composite
19
20

ACT English
19
19

ACT Math
18
19

Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Golf, Softball, Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Multiple Clubs and Organizations, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir and Vocal Rhapsody
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cheerleading, Intramural dodge ball, ping-pong, pool
Multiple Clubs and Organizations, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir and Vocal Rhapsody
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Cheerleading, Intramural dodge ball, ping-pong, pool
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Cleveland State Community College, a two-year institution within the Tennessee Board of Regents System, provides accessible, responsive, and quality educational opportunities primarily for residents of southeastern Tennessee. The College delivers developmental education, university transfer programming, workforce training, and community services. By engaging students in the learning process, the College aspires to promote success, enhance quality of life, and encourage civic involvement. The College strives to be a responsible partner in lifelong learning for the individual and in economic development for the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cleveland State Community College cost?
Cleveland State Community College's tuition is approximately $4,400 for In-State students and $17,216 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cleveland State Community College?
The acceptance rate of Cleveland State Community College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 83%.
What sports does Cleveland State Community College offer?
Cleveland State Community College offers 6 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Golf, Softball and Volleyball.
Recent Articles

Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.

A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.

What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.