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$5,040Tuition
5,443Students
23%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,719Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Jefferson State Community College

Jefferson State Community College has built its reputation as Birmingham's gateway to both career training and four-year transfer programs since 1965. The college serves 5,443 students across the metro area, focusing on practical education that gets graduates into the workforce quickly. Nearly 97% of students come from Alabama, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where local connections matter.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students pay an average net price of $9,024 after aid, with low-income families paying just $6,833. Graduates earn a median of $40,719 ten years out, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $9,689. Monthly loan payments average only $103, making this one of the more affordable paths to career advancement in Alabama.

Women make up 65% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the college's size. With a 96% employment rate after graduation, Jefferson State delivers on its promise of job-ready training. The 23% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees or attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Jefferson State serves as a stepping stone for Birmingham-area students pursuing both career training and four-year degrees. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 23% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college offers strong workforce development programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that align with Birmingham's industrial economy. Students can complete associate degrees for transfer to four-year universities or earn certificates in high-demand fields. With 96% of students from Alabama, Jefferson State functions as an affordable local option for residents seeking career advancement or college preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
39.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
23.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,719

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $52,622
Engineering Technology, General. Associate $48,432
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $45,021
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Associate $44,032
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $42,682
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Associate $39,369
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $30,771
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. Associate $29,685
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. Associate $29,141
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $25,658

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

Jefferson State serves 5,443 students across multiple campuses in the Birmingham metro area, giving you access to Alabama's largest city while keeping costs manageable. With 96.52% of students from Alabama, you'll find a strong local community feel. The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 means professors know your name, especially important when 65.11% of students are women often balancing school with family responsibilities.

Birmingham's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both winter jackets for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering summer days. Most students commute since this is primarily a commuter college focused on career training and university transfer. With only 29 total athletes across 4 sports, campus life centers more around study groups and career-focused clubs than game day traditions. Weekends often involve part-time jobs or family time rather than campus events. The diverse student body includes 25.52% Black students and reflects Birmingham's working-class character, with many students preparing for healthcare, business, and technical careers in Alabama's growing economy.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 1
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–53°F
July Avg
68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
57.0"
Annual Snowfall
1.4"

Student Demographics

Jefferson State draws primarily local students, with 97% coming from Alabama. The student body leans heavily female at 65%, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting. About 29% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families in the Birmingham area. The diverse mix includes 56% white students, 26% Black students, and 10% Hispanic students, mirroring Birmingham's demographics. Most students are career-focused adults balancing work and family while pursuing practical training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.
Men
34.9%
Women
65.1%
White
55.7%
Black
25.5%
Hispanic
10.3%
Asian
2.2%
In-State Students
96.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.6%

Location

Jefferson State Community College sits in Birmingham, Alabama's midsize urban environment serving 5,443 students. The campus operates within Alabama's largest city, a former steel industry center that has transformed into a medical and financial center. Birmingham offers the cultural amenities and job opportunities of a major metropolitan area while maintaining lower living costs than coastal cities. The college draws 96.52% of its students from in-state, reflecting its role as a local workforce development institution. Students benefit from internship and employment connections throughout the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area. The region's growing healthcare and technology sectors align well with the college's career-focused programs. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Jefferson State Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Birmingham, Alabama 35215-3098

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,719
Median Earnings (5 years)
$51,020
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$29,400
Loan Repayment Rate
44.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$103/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,689

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Jefferson State Community College?

Jefferson State maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 5,443 students across the Birmingham metro area. The college focuses on providing accessible education for career training and university transfer preparation. Students can enroll in semester-based programs without competitive admissions processes.

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

Students pay an average net price of $9,024 after aid, with in-state tuition at $5,040 per year. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,833 net price, making this one of Alabama's most affordable college options. Only 28.63% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low base costs.

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

The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. Jefferson State specializes in career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college serves a diverse student body with 55.74% white students and 25.52% Black students.

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

Graduates achieve a 95.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. The median earnings reach $40,719 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt of $9,689. However, only 23.30% complete their programs within six years, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students.

Where is Jefferson State Community College located?

The college operates in Birmingham, Alabama, serving students throughout this mid-size metropolitan area. Founded in 1965, Jefferson State has become a cornerstone institution for local workforce development. Nearly all students are Alabama residents, with 96.52% coming from in-state.

Does Jefferson State Community College offer athletic programs?

The college fields 4 varsity sports through NJCAA competition with just 29 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $145,733, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this smaller program. The emphasis remains on academics and career preparation rather than major athletic competition.