Nashville State Community College: $4,498 Tuition

$4,498Tuition

4,931Students

17%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,519Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Nashville State Community College

Nashville State Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable career training and university transfer options. The college enrolls 4,931 students in a large city setting that puts Nashville's thriving music and healthcare industries within reach. Career-focused programs prepare students for immediate employment while transfer pathways connect to four-year universities across Tennessee.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. Average net price sits at $6,283, making it accessible for working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $5,582 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,519 ten years after starting college, creating a solid return on investment. Monthly loan payments average only $102, and median debt reaches $9,595, keeping financial burdens manageable.

The student body reflects Nashville's diversity, with 44% white students, 31% Black students, and 14% Hispanic students. Women make up 64% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. Nearly 99% of students come from Tennessee. The 17% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working. An 89% employment rate shows strong job placement for those entering the workforce directly.

Academics & Faculty

Nashville State serves working adults and recent high school graduates with career-focused programs designed for quick entry into the workforce. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year schools, but faculty understand the practical needs of students juggling work and family. The 17% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time or transfer before completing their degree. The college is known for strong programs in healthcare, automotive technology, and culinary arts that connect directly to Nashville's growing healthcare and hospitality industries. Nearly 99% of students are Tennessee residents seeking affordable training close to home.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 39.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,519

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,776
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$46,673
Engineering Technology, General.	Associate	$43,128
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$41,937
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$39,369
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$38,289
Basic Skills and Developmental/Remedial Education.	Associate	$37,856
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$37,208
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$35,060
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.	Associate	$34,704

View all 58 programs →

Campus Life

Nashville State sits in the heart of Music City, where 4,931 students navigate a bustling urban campus. Nearly 99% of students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community of locals pursuing career training and transfer degrees. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but you'll compete for attention in larger lecture halls.

Weekends revolve around Nashville's legendary music scene rather than campus events. Students catch shows on Broadway, explore the Gulch, or hang out in nearby Centennial Park. Tennessee's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can count on warm, humid summers. With no residence halls, students commute from across the metro area, creating a campus that empties after evening classes. The diverse student body reflects Nashville's demographics, with 44% white students and 31% Black students. Most juggle work and school, taking advantage of the city's booming healthcare, music, and hospitality industries for part-time employment and internships.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1970

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–47°F
July Avg: 68°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.9"
Annual Snowfall: 4.7"

Student Demographics

Nearly 99% of students come from Tennessee, reflecting Nashville State's role as a local workforce pipeline for the region's booming economy. Women make up 64% of enrollment, drawn to the school's strong healthcare and business programs that dominate Nashville's job market. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse student body includes significant representation from Nashville's Black and Hispanic communities. Most students balance school with jobs, using Nashville State as a stepping stone to better-paying careers in music, healthcare, and technology.

Men: 36.1%
Women: 63.9%
White: 44.1%
Black: 30.6%
Hispanic: 13.8%
Asian: 3.7%
In-State Students: 98.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.9%

Location

Nashville State sits in Tennessee's capital and largest city, home to 695,000 residents. The campus operates in the heart of Music City, where students live surrounded by the country music industry, healthcare corporations, and a thriving job market. Nashville's unemployment rate consistently runs below the national average, creating strong internship and career opportunities. The city blends Southern culture with urban amenities, from the Grand Ole Opry to major league sports teams. Students can access Nashville's extensive bus system and growing music scene while pursuing degrees. The college draws 98.76% of students from Tennessee, reflecting its strong local reputation. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Nashville State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Nashville, Tennessee 37209-4515

Nashville State Community College - Main Campus

Nashville State Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,519
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,495
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $102/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,595

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Nashville State Community College?

Nashville State Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges. The school serves 4,931 students with 98.76% coming from Tennessee. Students can enroll in career-focused programs or transfer pathways without competitive admission requirements.

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

The average net price is $6,283 annually, making it highly affordable for most families. In-state tuition runs $4,498 while out-of-state students pay $17,698. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and those earning under $30,000 pay just $5,582 net price.

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

Classes have a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges. The school focuses on hands-on career training and transfer preparation. Women make up 63.92% of the student body, reflecting the popularity of programs like healthcare and education.

What are employment outcomes like for Nashville State Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 89.4% employment rate, showing strong job market success in the Nashville area. Median earnings reach $38,519 ten years after enrollment. The school's career-focused approach helps students enter Nashville's growing healthcare, technology, and service sectors.

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

The main campus sits in Nashville, giving students access to a major metropolitan area with numerous internship and job opportunities. The school serves a diverse population with 44.05% white, 30.60% Black, and 13.83% Hispanic students. Students benefit from Nashville's music industry connections and healthcare sector growth.

How successful are students at completing their programs at Nashville State Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 17%, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. However, graduates carry relatively low debt loads with a median of $9,595 and monthly payments of just $102. The school's affordability helps students minimize financial burden while gaining career skills.