- Shelton State is a diverse institution. In addition to general education and technical/occupational programs, we have two divisions that are unique to the Alabama College System. Through the Alabama State Fire College and the Alabama Water Resources Center , Shelton State offers instruction to professionals in important public service positions throughout the state. In addition, the C. A. Fredd Campus of Shelton State , designated as an Historically Black College and University, plays a special role in extending the operations and activities of Shelton State to West Alabama 's culturally diverse population.
School Highlights
Shelton State Community College serves 7,099 students (28% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the state community college average of 20:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 43%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 7,099 students
- In-state tuition: $3,960
- Out-state tuition: $7,350
- Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 45%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Shelton State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 337 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Shelton State 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
337 staff
153 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Shelton State Community College has grown by 68% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Shelton State Community College diversity score of 0.57 is less than the state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,099 students
2,464 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
20:1
# Full-Time Students
1,998 students
873 students
# Part-Time Students
5,101 students
1,855 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
709 students
422 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,998 students
873 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,101 students
2,077 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
30 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
168 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
5%
6%
% Black
35%
27%
% White
55%
57%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
3%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.60
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2284%
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)
$28,300
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,960 is less than the state average of $4,077. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,350 is more than the state average of $7,206. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,960
$4,077
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,350
$7,206
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
77%
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
- Shelton State Community College is part of a state system of public colleges. This system originated in the Alabama Trade School and Junior College Authority Act enacted by the state legislature in May 1963. Shelton State Community College awards the Associate in Arts Degree, the Associate in Science Degree, the Associate in Applied Science Degree. The College also offers two types of certificate programs, certificate programs that are 30-60 semester hours in length and certificate programs that are 9-26 semester hours in length. The Associate in Applied Science Degree and the Certificate programs are designed for students who plan to seek employment based upon the competencies and skills attained through those programs of study. These degrees and certificates are included on the official Academic Inventory of Shelton State Community College maintained by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. The primary purpose of student financial assistance programs at Shelton State Community College is to assist students with meeting the cost of their education. Shelton State has an athletic department that has received state, regional and national recognition. Shelton fields five athletic teams; baseball, softball, women's soccer, and men's and women's basketball. The Shelton State Lifelong Learning Center is a nonprofit, self-supporting academic program designed for seniors, offers short courses in a variety of areas in a safe environment and at a low cost. The Shelton State Community College Adult Education Program has the vision of assisting adults in learning and developing skills for employment and self-sufficiency. An educated, employed workforce improves the social and economic conditions of any community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shelton State Community College cost?
Shelton State Community College's tuition is approximately $3,960 for In-State students and $7,350 for Out-State students.
What is Shelton State Community College's ranking?
Shelton State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Alabama for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Shelton State Community College is Marion Military Institute (37.1 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
1101 Washington St
Marion, AL 36756
(800) 664-1842
Marion, AL 36756
(800) 664-1842
37.1 miles
| 338 students
1100 9th Ave Sw
Bessemer, AL 35022
(205) 428-6391
Bessemer, AL 35022
(205) 428-6391
37.3 miles
| 0 students
3060 Wilson Rd SW
Birmingham, AL 35221
(205) 925-2515
Birmingham, AL 35221
(205) 925-2515
45.0 miles
| 4,531 students
Fortis Institute-Birmingham
Private for-profit
100 London Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35211
(205) 940-7800
Birmingham, AL 35211
(205) 940-7800
46.1 miles
| 539 students
Herzing University-Birmingham
Private not-for-profit
280 West Valley Ave
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 916-2800
Birmingham, AL 35209
(205) 916-2800
48.5 miles
| 1,049 students
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