About Lawson State Community College
Students pay an average net price of $6,564 after financial aid, making this one of Alabama's more affordable college options. Nearly 60% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body. Graduates earn a median of $31,701 ten years after starting college. The low cost relative to earnings outcomes makes Lawson State a financially sensible choice for career-focused students. In-state tuition runs just $4,980, and 97.5% of students come from Alabama.
The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in smaller classes. Women make up 65% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. Four varsity sports teams compete in NJCAA athletics with 79 total athletes. The 26% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students who balance work and family responsibilities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,701
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,461 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $29,685 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $28,598 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,687 |
Campus Life
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally, which matters at a school where many are first-generation college students or returning adults. Nearly 60% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families in Birmingham's diverse neighborhoods. The semester system allows flexibility for students juggling jobs and family responsibilities.
With only 79 athletes across four varsity sports, campus life centers more on academics and career preparation than athletics. Students often spend weekends working or studying, though Birmingham offers internship opportunities at UAB Medical Center and local businesses. The high employment rate of 91.5% shows graduates quickly enter Alabama's workforce, often staying in the Birmingham area where they've built connections.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 156 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1950
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–55°F
- July Avg
- 70°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.7%
- Women
- 65.3%
- White
- 10.5%
- Black
- 79.9%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 59.8%
Location
- Address
- Birmingham, Alabama 35221-1717
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $31,701
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $39,094
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $22,700
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lawson State Community College?
As a community college, Lawson State maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 2,720 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to Birmingham's diverse community. Nearly 98% of students come from Alabama, reflecting its strong local roots.
How much does Lawson State Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,564 annually after financial aid is applied. Nearly 60% of students receive Pell Grants, making education affordable for low-income families. The total cost of attendance reaches $12,040 when including room and board for the 156 on-campus housing spots.
What academic programs is Lawson State Community College known for?
This historically black community college specializes in career training and transfer programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or four-year universities. The school maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention. Classes follow a semester calendar system that supports both traditional and working students.
What are the job prospects for Lawson State Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a strong 91.5% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in career preparation. However, the six-year graduation rate of 26.4% reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $31,701 for those who complete their programs.
Where is Lawson State Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Birmingham, Alabama's midsize city environment, offering urban opportunities while maintaining a close-knit community feel. Women make up 65% of the student body, and nearly 80% of students are Black, reflecting the college's HBCU heritage. The Cougars compete in four NJCAA varsity sports with 79 total athletes receiving $404,952 in athletic scholarships.
Does Lawson State Community College offer good financial aid for low-income students?
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of just $6,418, making higher education highly accessible. The college was founded in 1950 as part of Alabama's HBCU system, with a mission to serve underrepresented communities. Only 15% of students receive institutional grants averaging $9,653, but the low base tuition keeps costs manageable for most families.
