Coastal Alabama Community College: $4,980 Tuition

$4,980Tuition

4,714Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,894Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Coastal Alabama Community College

Coastal Alabama Community College serves 4,714 students in the small town of Bay Minette, focused on career training and university transfer preparation. The college has built its reputation around practical workforce programs that connect directly to local industries along Alabama's Gulf Coast. Students can choose from traditional academic pathways to four-year schools or dive into technical programs designed for immediate employment. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personalized attention.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. After financial aid, families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,037 annually, while middle-income families typically pay between $8,468 and $13,166. Graduates carry a median debt of only $11,000, with monthly loan payments averaging $117. Ten years after starting, alumni earn a median of $34,894, though the employment rate reaches 93.8% for those entering the workforce directly.

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65.68%, and the college maintains strong athletic programs with 287 student-athletes competing in 13 NJCAA sports. The Coyotes athletics department distributes over $2 million in scholarships annually. With 572 beds available, students can experience campus life while staying close to Alabama's coastal communities.

Academics & Faculty

Coastal Alabama Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking both career training and university transfer preparation. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that many four-year institutions cannot match. However, only 26% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college focuses heavily on workforce development programs that align with the Gulf Coast economy, including maritime studies, healthcare, and business administration. Transfer agreements with Alabama's public universities make it a popular choice for students looking to complete their first two years affordably before pursuing bachelor's degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,894

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,334
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$41,193
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$37,424
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$31,839
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$29,685
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$28,598
Hospitality Administration/Management.	Associate	$22,578
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,545
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$18,771
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$18,429

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

Bay Minette sits about 30 miles northeast of Mobile, giving students access to Gulf Coast beaches and city amenities without the urban hustle. With only 572 beds for 4,714 students, just 12% of the student body lives on campus. Most students commute from surrounding Baldwin County communities, creating a parking lot buzz between classes but quieter evenings on campus.

The humid subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for the few chilly winter days. Women make up 66% of the student body, and many are working adults balancing careers with coursework. The 287 student-athletes across 13 NJCAA sports bring energy to campus, particularly during baseball and softball seasons. Weekends often empty out as commuter students head home or to part-time jobs. Those who stick around might catch a Coyotes game or drive to Mobile's historic downtown or Gulf Shores beaches. The small-town setting creates a tight-knit feel among the students who do engage on campus, but social life largely happens off-campus in the broader coastal Alabama community.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 572 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	4	2
Domestic Violence	2	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–61°F
July Avg: 73°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 71.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students come from Alabama, reflecting Coastal Alabama's role as a local educational anchor for the Gulf Coast region. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and healthcare programs draw strong female participation. The student body is predominantly white with significant Black representation, mirroring the demographics of coastal Alabama communities. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and college transfer opportunities without leaving their home region.

Men: 34.3%
Women: 65.7%
White: 62.5%
Black: 24.0%
Hispanic: 4.8%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 91.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.6%

Location

Bay Minette sits in Baldwin County, Alabama, about 30 miles northeast of Mobile and roughly an hour from the Gulf Coast beaches. This small town of around 8,000 residents serves as the county seat in a region known for timber, agriculture, and coastal tourism. The campus draws 91% of its 4,714 students from within Alabama, reflecting its role as a local educational center. Bay Minette offers a quiet, small-town atmosphere while remaining accessible to both Mobile's urban amenities and the recreational opportunities along Alabama's Gulf shores. The area combines rural Southern charm with proximity to coastal attractions that define this part of the state. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Coastal Alabama Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bay Minette, Alabama 36507-2698

Faulkner State-Fairhope Admin Building Sept 2012 01

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,894
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,920
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Coastal Alabama Community College?

Coastal 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 4,714 students primarily from Alabama, with 91.08% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in coastal Alabama.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,514 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,037 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $12,983. About 34.6% of students receive financial aid, helping make this community college one of the more affordable options in Alabama.

What academic programs is Coastal Alabama Community College known for?

The college focuses on career-focused programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities, serving the workforce needs of coastal Alabama. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The college operates on a semester system and has built strong relationships with regional employers and universities for seamless transitions.

What are the employment outcomes for Coastal Alabama Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.8% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on career preparation and job-ready skills. Ten years after attending, graduates earn a median salary of $34,894, which is competitive for community college graduates in rural Alabama. The college's focus on practical training helps students enter the workforce quickly in coastal Alabama's key industries.

Does Coastal Alabama Community College offer campus housing?

The college provides on-campus housing for 572 students, with room and board costing $10,850 annually. This housing option is particularly valuable given the college's town-distant setting in Bay Minette, allowing students from across the region to live on campus. Women make up 65.68% of the student body, creating a predominantly female campus environment.

What sports teams does Coastal Alabama Community College compete in?

The Coyotes compete in the NJCAA with 13 varsity sports programs and 287 total student-athletes. The college awards $2,003,587 in athletic scholarships annually, providing significant opportunities for student-athletes to afford their education. This robust athletic program helps the college attract talented students from across Alabama and the Southeast.