Central Alabama Community College: $5,040 Tuition

$5,040Tuition

1,134Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,506Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Central Alabama Community College

Central Alabama Community College serves 1,134 students in Alexander City, a small town about an hour from Birmingham. The college focuses on workforce development and transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities or immediate employment. Students can choose from career-focused associate degrees and certificate programs designed to meet regional job market demands. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in smaller classes.

The financial picture looks reasonable for a community college education. Students pay an average net price of $14,346 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at $5,040. Graduates earn a median of $33,506 ten years after enrollment, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $9,766. Monthly loan payments of $104 won't break the bank for most graduates. The 94.3% employment rate suggests strong job placement success.

Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting the college's popularity for nursing and allied health programs. The Trojans compete in four NJCAA sports with 74 total athletes receiving $396,472 in athletic scholarships. Nearly 96% of students come from Alabama, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. However, the 24% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students transfer before completing their degrees here.

Academics & Faculty

Central Alabama Community College serves students seeking affordable career training and transfer preparation in rural Alabama. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 24% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college offers practical programs aligned with local industry needs, including nursing, automotive technology, and business administration. Students can complete associate degrees or certificates designed for immediate workforce entry. The school also maintains transfer agreements with four-year universities for students planning to continue their education. With 95.68% of students from Alabama, the college focuses on serving local workforce development needs in the Lake Martin region.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 42.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,506

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,677
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$15,817

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Alexander City sits about 75 miles southeast of Birmingham, nestled along Lake Martin in Alabama's rolling hills. Nearly 96% of Central Alabama's 1,134 students come from in-state. The campus serves a largely commuter population, with women making up 62% of enrollment. Students pack up after classes since there's no on-campus housing.

The town revolves around the lake and nearby Russell Lands development, where students often work part-time jobs in hospitality and recreation. Alabama's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen for scorching summers and a light jacket for mild winters. The Trojans field four varsity sports with 74 total athletes competing in NJCAA Division I. Basketball draws the biggest crowds to the small gym. Weekends often mean heading to Lake Martin for boating or returning home to family. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name in the tight-knit atmosphere. The employment rate hits 94%, reflecting strong connections to local employers in manufacturing and healthcare.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1989

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–56°F
July Avg: 69°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.7"

Student Demographics

Central Alabama Community College draws primarily local students, with 96% coming from in-state. The student body is 62% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and health sciences programs that have built its regional reputation. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families in east-central Alabama. The college attracts students from diverse racial backgrounds, with significant African American representation alongside white students. Most students are seeking practical career training rather than transfer degrees, fitting the college's workforce development mission in this rural manufacturing region.

Men: 37.9%
Women: 62.1%
White: 65.1%
Black: 26.0%
Hispanic: 4.2%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 95.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.5%

Location

Central Alabama Community College sits in Alexander City, a town of about 15,000 people roughly 50 miles northeast of Montgomery. The campus serves a rural region centered around Lake Martin, Alabama's largest lake, which draws visitors for boating and fishing. With 95.68% of students coming from in-state, the college primarily serves local Alexander City residents and surrounding Tallapoosa County communities. The area maintains a small-town atmosphere where outdoor recreation dominates leisure time. Students often work in local manufacturing, healthcare, or hospitality while pursuing their degrees. The region lacks the bustling college town energy found elsewhere but offers affordable living and close-knit community connections. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Central Alabama Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Alexander City, Alabama 35010

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,506
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,659
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $104/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,766

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Central Alabama Community College?

Central Alabama Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 1,134 students with a focus on providing accessible higher education to the Alexander City area. Nearly 96% of students come from Alabama, reflecting the school's commitment to serving local communities.

How much does Central Alabama Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,346 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $5,040, making it an affordable option for Alabama residents. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, and those receiving institutional grants average $6,336 in aid.

What academic programs is Central Alabama Community College known for?

The college operates on a semester system with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. Students can pursue associate degrees and certificates designed to prepare them for immediate workforce entry or transfer to four-year institutions. The school emphasizes practical training that connects directly to regional employment opportunities.

What are the job prospects for Central Alabama Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.3% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in workforce preparation. The median earnings of $33,506 ten years after enrollment reflect the practical, career-oriented nature of the programs. Graduates typically carry manageable debt loads with a median of $9,766 and monthly loan payments of just $104.

Where is Central Alabama Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Alexander City, Alabama, a town-distant setting that provides a close-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 62% of the student body, while the campus serves a diverse population that is 65% white and 26% Black. The Trojans compete in NJCAA athletics with 74 student-athletes across four varsity sports, supported by $396,472 in athletic scholarships.

Does Central Alabama Community College have good graduation rates?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 24%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Founded in 1989, the college has built a reputation for flexibility that accommodates working adults and students with varying educational goals. The low loan repayment rate of 25% reflects the challenges some students face, but the high employment rate shows strong workforce outcomes.