Chattanooga State Community College: $4,550 Tuition

$4,550Tuition

4,689Students

22%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,598Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State serves as a gateway to higher education for working adults and traditional students across Tennessee's fourth-largest city. The college enrolls 4,689 students and specializes in career training programs alongside transfer pathways to four-year universities. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the school emphasizes hands-on learning in programs like nursing, automotive technology, and business. Nearly 90% of students come from Tennessee, reflecting the college's deep community roots.

The financial picture tells a practical story about affordability and outcomes. Students pay an average net price of $5,702 after aid, making this one of the more accessible college options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $37,598 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of just $10,419. Monthly loan payments average $110, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most career paths. Only 15% of students take federal loans, suggesting many can afford their education without heavy borrowing.

Women make up 63% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. The school fields five varsity sports through the NJCAA with 92 total athletes. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the college's success in preparing students for Tennessee's job market.

Academics & Faculty

Chattanooga State operates as a traditional community college focused on career training and university transfer preparation. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in a supportive learning environment. However, the 21.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work obligations and financial pressures that can interrupt their studies. The college offers strong programs in healthcare, manufacturing technology, and business administration that align with Chattanooga's growing job market. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in technical fields, or complete their first two years of general education before transferring to Tennessee universities. The semester calendar system allows for structured academic progress toward either workforce entry or four-year degree completion.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 21.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,598

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Certificate	$69,338
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,242
Engineering Technology, General.	Associate	$50,060
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$48,965
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Associate	$48,641
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Certificate	$44,170
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$42,682
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$42,682
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$37,208
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$35,907

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting Chattanooga State's strength in nursing and health sciences programs that draw many career-changers. The campus sits in Tennessee's fourth-largest city, where you'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for summers that regularly hit the 80s and 90s. As a commuter college with no residence halls, 89% of the 4,689 students come from Tennessee and typically juggle classes with work or family responsibilities.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name, crucial for students balancing multiple commitments. Weekends often involve study groups at local coffee shops or the downtown riverfront area, though many students work part-time jobs to manage the $5,702 average net price. The campus buzzes during weekdays but quiets on weekends as students return to jobs and families. Five NJCAA sports teams provide some school spirit, but the real energy comes from career-focused students determined to complete their degrees and enter the workforce with the 95.1% employment rate the college maintains.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–51°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.0"
Annual Snowfall: 3.6"

Student Demographics

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at this Tennessee community college, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and education programs. About 89% of students come from Tennessee, showing Chattanooga State's role as a regional educational center. The school draws a diverse mix with 65% white students, 16% Black students, and 11% Hispanic students. One in three students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's mission to serve working-class families seeking affordable career training and university transfer opportunities.

Men: 36.8%
Women: 63.3%
White: 65.1%
Black: 15.5%
Hispanic: 10.9%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 89.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.0%

Location

Chattanooga State Community College sits in Tennessee's fourth-largest city, home to 180,000 residents. The campus operates in a mid-sized urban setting along the Tennessee River, surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Students enjoy access to outdoor recreation at nearby Lookout Mountain and Rock City, while downtown Chattanooga offers a revitalized riverfront district with the famous Tennessee Aquarium. The city's mix of industry and tourism creates internship opportunities for the college's 4,689 students. With 89% of enrollment coming from in-state, most students are familiar with the area's blend of Southern culture and natural beauty. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Chattanooga State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406-1097

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,598
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,322
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $110/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,419

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Chattanooga State Community College?

Chattanooga State maintains an open-access admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 4,689 students who are primarily looking for career training or planning to transfer to four-year universities. Most students come from Tennessee, with 89.31% classified as in-state residents.

How much does Chattanooga State Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,702 annually, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in Tennessee. In-state tuition runs $4,550 while out-of-state students pay $17,750. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, and those earning institutional aid get an average of $5,899.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Chattanooga State Community College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention than many larger institutions. Women make up 63.25% of the student body, reflecting national trends in community college enrollment. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on career preparation and university transfer programs.

What are the employment outcomes for Chattanooga State Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.1% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market demand for the college's career training programs. The median earnings reach $37,598 ten years after enrollment, though graduates typically carry manageable debt loads with a median of $10,419. Monthly loan payments average just $110, making the investment highly affordable for most students.

Where is Chattanooga State Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Chattanooga, a mid-size city known for its outdoor recreation and growing tech sector. With only 92 total athletes across 5 varsity sports in the NJCAA, the campus focuses more on academics and career preparation than athletics. The diverse student body includes 65.09% white students, 15.50% Black students, and 10.90% Hispanic students.

Does Chattanooga State Community College have good graduation rates?

The college posts a 21.90% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Founded in 1963, the institution has built a reputation as a stepping stone for students entering the workforce or continuing their education. The relatively low loan repayment rate of 32.23% indicates some students face challenges after leaving school.