Gadsden State Community College: $4,032 Tuition

$4,032Tuition

3,619Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,937Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden State serves 3,619 students in Alabama's Appalachian foothills, where it has built a strong reputation for career training and transfer programs since 1925. Nearly two-thirds of students are women (64.27%), and the college draws almost entirely from Alabama with 97.43% in-state enrollment. This historically black community college focuses on practical education that gets students into the workforce quickly or prepares them for four-year universities.

The money story here is straightforward. Students pay an average net price of $3,568 after financial aid, with nearly half (47.36%) receiving Pell Grants. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $2,995. Graduates see their investment pay off with median earnings of $37,458 one year after graduation, climbing to $43,840 after five years. With such low costs and solid earning potential, most students graduate debt-free.

The 32.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often work while studying or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Gadsden State fields seven varsity sports with 108 total athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 means classes stay small enough for personal attention, while the 92.6% employment rate shows employers value the college's practical training approach.

Academics & Faculty

Gadsden State offers career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college is known for its nursing program, which feeds into Alabama's healthcare system, along with automotive technology and welding programs that match the region's manufacturing needs. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more individual attention than at most four-year schools, but the 32.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. The college serves as a practical stepping stone for students who want job skills without massive debt, with 97.43% of students coming from Alabama seeking affordable education close to home.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,937

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,844
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Associate	$46,087
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$44,170
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$38,649
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$35,952
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$33,993
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$32,925
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$32,174
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$27,126
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$24,421

View all 41 programs →

Campus Life

Gadsden State sits in a small Alabama city about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham, where students experience hot, humid summers and mild winters that rarely require heavy coats. With housing for only 110 students and total enrollment of 3,619, just 3% of students live on campus. Most commute from nearby towns, creating a campus that feels busy during class hours but quieter in the evenings.

The student body is 64% women and 97% in-state residents, giving the campus a close-knit, local community feel. As one of Alabama's historically black colleges and universities, Gadsden State has deep ties to the surrounding community. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, and many are balancing family responsibilities with their education. The Cardinals compete in seven NJCAA sports with 108 total athletes, though most weekend social life happens off campus since so few students live in dorms. The small city setting means students often drive to Birmingham for entertainment, shopping, or internship opportunities, though local restaurants and parks provide some nearby options.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 110 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1925

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°–52°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Gadsden State draws students from across Alabama, with 97% coming from in-state, making it a true community anchor for the region. The student body is about two-thirds women, which reflects the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences that traditionally attract more female students. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families looking for affordable pathways to better careers. As a historically Black college and university, Gadsden State maintains its mission of providing accessible education to students from diverse backgrounds who might not otherwise have college opportunities.

Men: 35.7%
Women: 64.3%
White: 67.1%
Black: 18.0%
Hispanic: 7.3%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.4%

Location

Gadsden State Community College sits in Gadsden, Alabama, a small city about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. The school serves a largely local population, with 97.43% of students coming from in-state. Gadsden lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains along the Coosa River, giving the area a mix of industrial history and natural beauty. The city has around 35,000 residents and maintains a small-town feel while offering more amenities than truly rural areas. The region is known for manufacturing and has a working-class character that matches the college's practical, career-focused mission. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Gadsden State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gadsden, Alabama 35903

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,937
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,840
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,300

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Gadsden State Community College?

Gadsden State follows an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or GED. The college serves 3,619 students and maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Nearly 98% of students come from Alabama, making it a local educational center for the region.

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

Students pay an average net price of $3,568 after aid, with in-state tuition at $4,032 annually. Nearly half of students (47.36%) receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,995 net. The total cost of attendance including room and board is $10,832.

What academic programs is Gadsden State Community College known for?

The college offers career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment, with graduates earning a median of $32,937 ten years after enrollment. Founded in 1925, Gadsden State has built a reputation for practical education that serves local industries. The school maintains strong ties to regional employers and emphasizes hands-on training.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Gadsden State Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 92.6% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in career preparation. The median earnings one year after graduation are $37,458, rising to $43,840 after five years. However, the six-year graduation rate of 32.2% reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education.

Does Gadsden State Community College have on-campus housing?

The college offers limited on-campus housing with a capacity of just 110 students. Room and board costs $5,200 annually for those who can secure a spot. Most students commute from the local area, as evidenced by the small city setting and the fact that 97.43% of students are Alabama residents.

Is Gadsden State Community College a historically black college?

Yes, Gadsden State is designated as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), though its current student body is 67.09% white and 18.02% Black. The college has evolved since its 1925 founding while maintaining its HBCU heritage. Women make up 64.27% of the student population, reflecting national trends in community college enrollment.