- Lawson State Community College is a comprehensive, public, two-year, multi-campus college, which seeks to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life for people in its service area. The College is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible lifelong learning opportunities in order to prepare students for employment or career advancement, enable students to transfer to senior colleges and universities, and provide customized training needs for business and industry.
School Highlights
Lawson State Community College serves 4,531 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 43%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 4,531 students
- In-state tuition: $4,290
- Out-state tuition: $7,710
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 90%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Lawson State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 282 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Lawson State Community College
(AL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
282 staff
153 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Lawson State Community College has grown by 34% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Lawson State Community College diversity score of 0.33 is less than the state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,531 students
2,464 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
1,345 students
873 students
# Part-Time Students
3,186 students
1,855 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
453 students
422 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,345 students
873 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,186 students
2,077 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
30 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
168 students
168 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
n/a
2%
% Hispanic
4%
6%
% Black
81%
27%
% White
10%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
3%
Diversity Score
0.33
0.60
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2285%
0.2683%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$26,800
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,290 is more than the state average of $4,077. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,710 is more than the state average of $7,206. The out-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,290
$4,077
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,710
$7,206
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
99%
90%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
81%
SAT Reading
n/a
530
SAT Math
n/a
545
ACT Composite
n/a
23
ACT English
n/a
21
ACT Math
n/a
22
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- The Birmingham Campus is located at 3060 Wilson Road, Southwest in Birmingham, Alabama. The West Campus, located on the northern side of Wilson Road, consists of six buildings on 45 acres of land. Students are advised and encouraged to participate in annual activities designed to set the cultural, spiritual, moral, and academic tone of the institution. Such activities include: SGA Election, Installation of SGA Officers Convocations, Annual Christmas Musical, Afro-American History Month, Career Day, Blue and Gold Week, Blood Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Vocational Education Week, Health Fair, Homecoming, Art Exhibition, Honors Convocation, Graduate/Alumni Banquet, President's Brunch, and Commencement. Lawson State is committed to providing quality intercollegiate and intramural programs designed to foster the personal growth of each student. These programs encourage individual and team achievement and strive to enhance the academic success, social development, and physical and emotional well being of each student. There are a variety of athletics and recreational facilities available for students. The Arthur Shores Fine Arts Building is equipped with a modern fitness center, hardwood court gym, swimming pool, and locker facilities. Students may participate in basketball, baseball, volleyball, field and track, cross-country, tennis, golf and swimming. Job Placement and the Career Education Center function as a bridge between the student's academic preparation and the world of work. The Center has numerous activities, including career counseling, maintaining a career information library, receiving and publishing job vacancy notices, arranging for prospective employers to visit the campus, interviewing applicants, mailing students credentials to prospective employers, and publicizing campus interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lawson State Community College cost?
Lawson State Community College's tuition is approximately $4,290 for In-State students and $7,710 for Out-State students.
What schools are Lawson State Community College often compared to?
Lawson State Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Jefferson State Community College by visitors of our site.
What is Lawson State Community College's ranking?
Lawson State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Alabama for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
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