J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College

$5,130Tuition

719Students

11%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$28,281Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24HBCU

About J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College

J. F. Drake State trains students for Alabama's booming aerospace and defense industries in the heart of Huntsville's technology corridor. This historically black community and technical college serves 719 students focused on workforce-ready programs. The school built its reputation partnering with major employers like NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Boeing to create direct pathways into high-demand technical careers.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,749 after aid, making technical training highly accessible. Even those from higher-income families rarely pay more than $8,000 annually. Graduates earn a median of $28,281 ten years after enrollment, though many enter fields where experience quickly boosts wages. With 44% of students receiving Pell Grants and an 88% employment rate, the school delivers on its promise of affordable job training.

The student body reflects the surrounding community, with nearly 60% Black students and 92% Alabama residents. Women make up 63% of enrollment, drawn to programs in healthcare and business technology. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on attention in labs and workshops. However, only 11% of students complete programs within six years, suggesting the part-time, working-student population takes longer to finish their credentials.

Academics & Faculty

J.F. Drake State specializes in technical and workforce training programs designed to feed Alabama's booming aerospace and defense industry. The college serves 719 students with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. Programs focus on aviation maintenance, welding, automotive technology, and other skilled trades that connect directly to Huntsville's reputation as "Rocket City." The 11.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the community college reality where many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Women make up 63.4% of enrollment, drawn to healthcare and business programs. The college's strength lies in preparing students for immediate employment in high-demand technical fields rather than traditional academic pathways.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 11.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $28,281

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$38,906

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Campus Life

With 719 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, this historically Black community college feels more like an extended family than a traditional campus. Nearly 60% of students are Black, creating a supportive environment where everyone knows each other's name. The college sits in Huntsville, a mid-sized city known as "Rocket City" for its NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and aerospace industry connections.

Alabama's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both shorts for sweltering summers and a light jacket for mild winters. Snow is rare, but summer temperatures regularly hit the 90s. Since this is a commuter school with no dormitories, 92% of in-state students drive to campus daily from across northern Alabama. Weekends revolve around family time and part-time jobs rather than campus events. Students often study together in small groups between classes, taking advantage of the technical labs that stay open late. The real social center happens in the workforce training programs, where students bond over hands-on projects in automotive technology, welding, and healthcare preparation.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–52°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.3"
Annual Snowfall: 2.4"

Student Demographics

Most students come from Alabama, drawn by the college's strong ties to Huntsville's aerospace and defense industries. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the enrollment, reflecting the school's emphasis on healthcare and business programs alongside technical trades. The student body is majority Black, serving a diverse community where nearly half qualify for Pell Grants. This historically Black institution attracts students seeking practical career training without massive debt. The small size of 719 students creates tight-knit programs where local residents can quickly gain skills for Alabama's growing technology sector.

Men: 36.6%
Women: 63.4%
White: 24.9%
Black: 59.8%
Hispanic: 7.0%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 92.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 44.4%

Location

J. F. Drake State sits in Huntsville, Alabama, a mid-sized city of around 215,000 people known as "Rocket City" for its aerospace industry. The college serves the heart of Alabama's technology corridor, where NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal drive the local economy. About 100 miles north of Birmingham and 110 miles south of Nashville, Huntsville offers students access to major employers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and numerous defense contractors. The area combines Southern charm with high-tech innovation, creating unique opportunities for technical education. Over 92% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role in training Alabama's workforce. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare J. F. Drake State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Huntsville, Alabama 35811

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $28,281
Median Earnings (5 years): $33,135
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

J. F. Drake State enrolls 719 students with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. The college serves primarily in-state students, with 92% coming from Alabama, and focuses on technical training in Huntsville's aerospace corridor.

How much does J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $4,644, though costs vary by income level from $3,749 for families earning under $30K to $7,856 for those earning $75K-$110K. About 44% of students receive Pell Grants, making this HBCU accessible to working-class families.

What programs is J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College known for?

The college specializes in technical and workforce training programs designed for Alabama's aerospace and technology corridor. Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in health and technical fields.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

The 6-year graduation rate is 11%, typical for open-access community colleges serving working adults. However, the employment rate reaches 88%, and graduates earn a median of $28,281 ten years after enrollment.

Where is J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College located?

The college sits in Huntsville, Alabama, a mid-size city known as the heart of the state's aerospace industry. This location provides students direct access to internships and jobs with NASA, defense contractors, and tech companies.

Is J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College a historically black college?

Yes, J. F. Drake State is an HBCU with 60% Black students and 25% White students. As one of Alabama's historically black community colleges, it maintains its mission of providing accessible technical education while serving an increasingly diverse student population.