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$4,980Tuition
1,122Students
43%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$32,307Earnings
#18 in AlabamaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Lurleen B Wallace Community College

This small community college serves the rural farming communities of south Alabama with practical, career-focused programs. With 1,122 students on a rural campus near Andalusia, Lurleen B Wallace focuses on preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like nursing, welding, and business administration that match the regional economy.

Students pay an average net price of $3,041 after financial aid, making this one of Alabama's most affordable college options. Graduates earn a median salary of $32,307 ten years after starting college. With 36% of students receiving Pell Grants and nearly all coming from Alabama families, the college serves students who need education to be both practical and affordable. The low debt burden makes the investment worthwhile for students entering skilled trades or continuing their education.

Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and education programs. The Saints compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA with $594,552 in athletic scholarships available. With a 43% six-year graduation rate and 92% employment rate, students who complete their programs typically find work quickly in Alabama's growing healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Academics & Faculty

Lurleen B Wallace serves rural south Alabama with career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personal attention than many larger institutions. However, the 43% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The school emphasizes practical training in health sciences, business, and industrial technology programs that align with regional workforce needs. Students benefit from affordable pathways to careers or university transfer, with 91.8% employment rate among graduates demonstrating the value of its workforce-oriented approach.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
64.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
43.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,307

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,302
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. Associate $46,087
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $38,289
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $32,569
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $31,941
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $18,315
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $17,779
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $14,442

View all 21 programs →

Campus Life

The small campus sits in rural Andalusia, about two hours south of Montgomery and an hour north of the Florida border. You'll need lightweight jackets for winter but pack plenty of sunscreen for Alabama's long, humid summers. With only 94 housing spots and 1,122 total students, just 8% can live on campus. Most students commute from surrounding rural communities across south Alabama.

The Saints compete in 8 varsity sports with 113 total athletes receiving $594,552 in scholarships. Basketball games draw the biggest crowds in this tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Weekend activities center around athletic events, study groups, and trips to nearby Dothan or Gulf Shores beaches. The student body is 62.66% female and heavily local, with 97.44% from Alabama. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes, reflected in the strong 91.8% employment rate. The campus culture emphasizes practical career preparation over traditional college social life, with many students focused on completing certificates or associate degrees before entering the workforce or transferring to four-year universities.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
94 beds
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Robbery 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
41°–63°F
July Avg
73°–93°F
Annual Precipitation
59.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.3"

Student Demographics

Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs that draw from across rural Alabama. Nearly all students come from in-state, showing the school's deep roots in serving local communities. Over a third receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's mission to provide affordable pathways for working-class families in south Alabama. The student body mirrors the regional demographics with a mix of white and Black students. Most are seeking practical career training rather than transfer degrees.
Men
37.3%
Women
62.7%
White
68.5%
Black
22.3%
Hispanic
3.0%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
97.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
36.2%

Location

Andalusia, Alabama sits in the rural southeast corner of the state, about 90 miles south of Montgomery. The town of roughly 9,000 residents serves as the seat of Covington County in Alabama's Wiregrass region. This agricultural area is known for peanut farming and timber production. With 97.44% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from surrounding rural communities. The campus houses just 94 students in on-campus housing, reflecting its commuter school nature. Students experience small-town life where the college serves as a community anchor. The rural-fringe setting offers affordable living but limited entertainment options typical of larger college towns. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Lurleen B Wallace Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Andalusia, Alabama 36420-1224

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,307
Median Earnings (5 years)
$40,970
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Lurleen B Wallace Community College?

As a community college serving rural south Alabama, Lurleen B Wallace maintains an open enrollment policy typical of two-year institutions. The school enrolls 1,122 students with 97.44% coming from in-state, making it primarily a local option for area residents seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Lurleen B Wallace Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,041 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Alabama. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $2,429, while in-state tuition starts at $4,980 before any assistance.

What academic programs is Lurleen B Wallace Community College known for?

The college focuses on career-focused programs designed to prepare students for the workforce in rural Alabama. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in technical and transfer programs that serve the local community's employment needs.

What are the job prospects for Lurleen B Wallace Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 91.8% employment rate, reflecting the school's practical approach to education. However, median earnings of $32,307 ten years after enrollment reflect the rural Alabama job market and the types of careers the college prepares students for.

Does Lurleen B Wallace Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 94 students. Room and board costs $5,550, and the small residential program creates a close-knit community atmosphere typical of rural community colleges.

What sports does Lurleen B Wallace Community College compete in?

The Saints compete in 8 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 113 total athletes. The athletic program awards $594,552 in scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small rural Alabama community.