Northeast Alabama Community College: $4,980 Tuition

$4,980Tuition

1,547Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,913Earnings

#24 in AlabamaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Northeast Alabama Community College

Northeast Alabama Community College serves the rural Appalachian foothills with focused career training and transfer programs. The school enrolls 1,547 students in a setting where personal attention defines the experience. Students come here for practical nursing, emergency medical services, and automotive technology programs that connect directly to regional employers. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress.

Money rarely becomes a barrier at NACC. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $260 per year after aid. The average net price across all income levels sits at $1,612. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $6,100 and monthly loan payments of $65. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $34,913. The numbers work for students seeking affordable credentials without crushing debt.

Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong health sciences and education programs. The employment rate hits 92.8% for graduates who enter the workforce. Only 12% of students take federal loans, showing how affordable the education remains. Four varsity sports teams compete as the Mustangs in NJCAA competition, though athletics serves just 16 student-athletes on campus.

Academics & Faculty

Northeast Alabama Community College offers career-focused programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that's crucial for hands-on learning in technical fields. About 32% of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students. The school emphasizes practical training in areas like nursing, automotive technology, and welding that connect directly to local job markets in rural Alabama. Students benefit from small class sizes where instructors know their names and can provide individualized guidance. The college serves as a stepping stone for both immediate employment and transfer to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 36.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,913

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Associate	$47,260
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$45,980
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$36,848
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,960
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$18,309
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$16,478

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

Students at this rural Alabama community college find themselves in the foothills of Appalachia, about 90 minutes from Huntsville and two hours from Birmingham. The 1,547 students spread across a compact campus where the 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Women make up 63.5% of enrollment, creating a female-forward environment.

Rainsville sits at 1,200 feet elevation, bringing cooler temperatures than much of Alabama. You'll need a winter coat for January lows in the 30s, but spring and fall offer perfect outdoor weather. Most students commute from surrounding DeKalb County towns, with 81% coming from in-state. The Mustangs field just four varsity sports with only 16 total athletes, so campus life centers more around academics and career preparation than athletics. Weekends often mean heading home or exploring nearby DeSoto State Park and Lookout Mountain. The employment rate of 92.8% reflects the college's practical focus on getting students into the workforce quickly.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–51°F
July Avg: 68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.1"
Annual Snowfall: 1.3"

Student Demographics

Northeast Alabama Community College draws students from across the rural Southeast, with about two-thirds being women. The college serves a predominantly white student body alongside a growing Hispanic population that reflects demographic changes in northern Alabama. Nearly four in ten students receive Pell Grants, making this an affordable pathway for working-class families. Most students come from within Alabama, giving the school strong ties to local communities. The female majority suggests strong enrollment in healthcare and education programs that traditionally attract women to community colleges.

Men: 36.5%
Women: 63.5%
White: 72.9%
Black: 1.5%
Hispanic: 16.0%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 81.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.8%

Location

Rainsville, Alabama sits in the rural northeastern corner of the state, about 90 miles northeast of Birmingham and 60 miles south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The town of roughly 5,000 people lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains near Lookout Mountain. DeKalb County's economy centers on poultry farming and small manufacturing. With 81% of students coming from in-state, the college serves local communities where farming and blue-collar work dominate. The rural setting means limited nightlife and dining options compared to university towns. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Northeast Alabama Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rainsville, Alabama 35986

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,913
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,669
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $65/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Northeast Alabama Community College?

As a community college, Northeast Alabama Community College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,547 students in rural Alabama's DeKalb County. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Northeast Alabama Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $1,612 per year after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $260 annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in Alabama. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Northeast Alabama Community College?

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors. Classes focus on career preparation and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The school operates on a semester system to align with most Alabama universities.

What do graduates of Northeast Alabama Community College typically earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $34,913 ten years after starting college. The employment rate reaches 92.8%, reflecting strong job placement in the region. Most graduates enter fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business that serve rural Alabama communities.

Where is Northeast Alabama Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Rainsville, a small town in rural northeastern Alabama near the Georgia border. With 63% women and 73% white students, the college reflects the local demographic. The Mustangs compete in NJCAA athletics with four varsity sports and just 16 total athletes.

How many students graduate from Northeast Alabama Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 32%, which is typical for rural community colleges serving working students. Many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degree. Graduates carry a median debt of only $6,100, keeping financial burden low for this rural community.