Motlow State Community College: $4,536 Tuition

$4,536Tuition

4,055Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,397Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Motlow State Community College

Motlow State Community College serves 4,055 students in the rolling hills of south-central Tennessee. The college has built its reputation on solid transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and technical training that leads directly to local jobs. Nearly 99% of students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows their neighbors.

Students pay an average net price of $10,421 after financial aid, making this one of Tennessee's more affordable college options. Graduates earn a median of $40,397 ten years after completing their programs. The math works in students' favor, especially since 33% receive institutional grants averaging $5,546. Most students avoid federal loans entirely, with a 0% federal loan rate keeping debt burdens low.

Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing and education. The Bucks compete in five NJCAA sports with 111 total athletes sharing $388,178 in athletic scholarships. Students work with faculty in a 21:1 ratio, ensuring personal attention in both classroom and lab settings. The 93% employment rate shows that local employers value Motlow graduates, whether they enter the workforce immediately or transfer to complete bachelor's degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Motlow State serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at many community colleges, but professors still know students by name. The college offers solid transfer programs in liberal arts and sciences alongside career-focused technical training in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business. Only 28.70% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students who juggle work and family responsibilities. The college particularly excels at preparing students for Tennessee's public universities through established transfer agreements.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,397

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,107
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,615

View all 14 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Motlow State experience small-town college life in rural Tennessee, about 70 miles southeast of Nashville. The 4,055 students navigate a campus where classes average 21 students per professor. Most commute from nearby towns since this is primarily a commuter college without traditional dorms.

Tullahoma sits in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, where students need light jackets for mild winters and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers. The 60% female student body creates a welcoming atmosphere focused on academics over party culture. Nearly 99% of students come from Tennessee, giving the campus a tight-knit, regional feel.

Weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs, as many students balance school with employment. The Bucks compete in five NJCAA sports with 111 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics. Students gravitate toward transfer programs preparing them for four-year universities or technical training for immediate employment. With a 93% employment rate, graduates typically enter the workforce earning around $32,000 in their first year, reflecting the practical, career-focused mindset that defines campus culture.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1969

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–47°F
July Avg: 67°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 58.6"
Annual Snowfall: 2.3"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at Motlow State come from Tennessee, reflecting the college's role as a local educational anchor in south-central Tennessee. Women make up 60% of enrollment, typical for community colleges that attract students seeking healthcare, education, and social service careers. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to better jobs. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic representation at 13%, higher than many rural Tennessee institutions. Most students balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing either career training or transfer degrees.

Men: 39.8%
Women: 60.2%
White: 65.0%
Black: 11.3%
Hispanic: 13.1%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.8%

Location

Motlow State Community College sits in Tullahoma, Tennessee, roughly 70 miles southeast of Nashville. The campus serves south-central Tennessee's rural communities in a region known for aerospace and manufacturing. Tullahoma hosts the Arnold Engineering Development Complex, a major Air Force testing facility that brings technical jobs to the area. With 98.58% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from surrounding small towns and farming communities. The rural-fringe setting offers lower living costs but fewer entertainment options than urban campuses. Coffee County's rolling hills and proximity to the Cumberland Plateau provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Motlow State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388

Motlow State Community College - Smyrna Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,397
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,109
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Motlow State Community College?

Motlow State Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of Tennessee community colleges. With 4,055 students enrolled, the college welcomes students seeking both transfer pathways and technical training in south-central Tennessee.

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

Students pay an average net price of $10,421 annually at Motlow State Community College. In-state tuition runs $4,536 while out-of-state students face $17,736, though 98.58% of students come from Tennessee.

What academic programs is Motlow State Community College known for?

Motlow State Community College operates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its transfer and technical programs. The college has built its reputation on providing accessible pathways to four-year universities and career-focused training since 1969.

What are the career outcomes for Motlow State Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median of $40,397 ten years after enrollment with a strong 92.9% employment rate. The college's 28.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working.

Where is Motlow State Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Tullahoma, Tennessee, serving a rural-fringe community in the state's south-central region. With 111 total athletes competing in 5 NJCAA sports as the Bucks, the campus maintains a small-town feel with 60.20% female enrollment.

Does Motlow State Community College offer financial aid to students?

Only 28.77% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The college awards institutional grants averaging $5,546 to 32.80% of students, reflecting lower borrowing needs typical of affordable community colleges.