- Northwest-Shoals Community College is a single, comprehensive two-year public institution of higher education. The college is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and the Associate in Applied Science degrees as well as certificates in occupationally specific areas.
School Highlights
Northwest Shoals Community College serves 5,472 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 43%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 5,472 students
- In-state tuition: $4,231
- Out-state tuition: $7,621
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 27%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 296 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Northwest Shoals Community College
(AL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
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
296 staff
153 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Northwest Shoals Community College has grown by 55% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Northwest Shoals Community College diversity score of 0.44 is less than the state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,472 students
2,464 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
1,065 students
873 students
# Part-Time Students
4,407 students
1,855 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
547 students
422 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,065 students
873 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,407 students
2,077 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
30 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
168 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
11%
6%
% Black
9%
27%
% White
73%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.44
0.60
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2683%
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)
$29,700
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,231 is more than the state average of $4,077. The in-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,621 is more than the state average of $7,206. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,231
$4,077
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,621
$7,206
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
97%
90%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$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
- Located in the Northwest corner of Alabama, our college is comprised of multiple campuses serving the counties of Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, and Lawrence, and the western portion of Winston county. Our students come from both urban and rural communities to our campus sites in the Shoals and Phil Campbell. Northwest-Shoals is unique among community colleges in Alabama in that we adhere to the comprehensive community college concept rather than providing separate technical and junior college divisions. Northwest-Shoals Community College offers a broad range of certificate and degree programs, as well as university parallel and linkage programs. A variety of special programs and services, including training for business and industry, is also available. The Community Services Division at NW-SCC provides area companies and individuals with a wide range of technical training, administrative assistance, and personal development courses in the belief that learning is a life-long experience. Consisting of Continuing Education and Training for Business, this division is the flexible division of the college in providing the services not provided in the traditional education environment. The Patriots of Northwest-Shoals are well established as leaders among Alabama intercollegiate athletes. The college holds numerous championship titles in the Alabama Junior and Community College Conference, comprising Region XXII of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Northwest Shoals Community College cost?
Northwest Shoals Community College's tuition is approximately $4,231 for In-State students and $7,621 for Out-State students.
What schools are Northwest Shoals Community College often compared to?
Northwest Shoals Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like John C Calhoun State Community College by visitors of our site.
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