Pellissippi State Community College: $4,576 Tuition

$4,576Tuition

6,391Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,440Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pellissippi State Community College

Pellissippi State builds careers through hands-on training and smooth transfers to Tennessee's four-year universities. The college serves 6,391 students in Knoxville's suburbs, focusing heavily on workforce development programs that connect directly to local employers. Students can choose from strong technical programs or use the school as an affordable stepping stone to complete their bachelor's degrees elsewhere in the state system.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. Average net price sits at just $5,252 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $38,440 ten years later. Students typically graduate with only $8,725 in debt and monthly loan payments of $92. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to $4,377. The investment pays off quickly given the strong employment rate of 92.4%.

The Panthers compete in six NJCAA sports with 87 total athletes sharing $82,621 in athletic scholarships. Nearly all students come from Tennessee (97%), creating a tight-knit community feel. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 27.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time, working student population typical of community colleges. Only 3.59% of students need federal loans, showing the affordability advantage.

Academics & Faculty

Pellissippi State focuses heavily on workforce development and transfer preparation for Tennessee's job market. The college serves 6,391 students with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to instructors. Students can choose from strong technical programs in manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology that connect directly to local employers. The 27.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. Pellissippi's transfer agreements with Tennessee universities make it a popular stepping stone for students planning to continue their education. The college's practical approach helps explain why graduates earn a median of $38,440 ten years after enrollment.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,440

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$48,617
Engineering Technology, General.	Associate	$43,240
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$42,235
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$28,381
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$28,327
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$28,055
Communications Technology/Technician.	Associate	$23,890
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,245

View all 44 programs →

Campus Life

Pellissippi State sprawls across multiple campuses in suburban Knoxville, with the main Hardin Valley campus serving as the center for most of the 6,391 students. The college sits about 15 minutes from downtown Knoxville and 20 minutes from the University of Tennessee campus. East Tennessee's four-season climate means you'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and shorts for humid summers reaching the 80s.

Nearly all students commute since the college offers no on-campus housing. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes typical of community colleges. With 97% of students from Tennessee, the campus feels distinctly local. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes, reflected in the high 92.4% employment rate. Weekends typically mean heading home or into Knoxville for entertainment since campus life centers around academics rather than social activities. The Panthers compete in six NJCAA sports with 87 total athletes, but athletic events draw modest crowds. Most students focus on completing their associate degrees or prerequisites before transferring to four-year universities.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1974

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	16	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–46°F
July Avg: 68°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 59.7"
Annual Snowfall: 4.4"

Student Demographics

Pellissippi State draws overwhelmingly from Tennessee, with 97% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the college's role as a regional workforce pipeline for the greater Knoxville area. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, typical for full community colleges offering both technical and transfer programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many working-class families seeking affordable career training or a stepping stone to four-year degrees. The demographics mirror East Tennessee's population, creating a familiar environment for local students.

Men: 48.7%
Women: 51.3%
White: 74.8%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 9.7%
Asian: 2.3%
In-State Students: 97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.1%

Location

Pellissippi State sits in Knoxville, Tennessee, a mid-sized college town in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The campus serves the greater Knoxville metropolitan area, which has about 900,000 residents. Students get the benefits of city amenities while staying close to outdoor recreation in the Smokies and along the Tennessee River. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to the local community. The area offers internship opportunities with major employers like the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Knoxville's cost of living remains affordable compared to larger Southern cities. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Pellissippi State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Knoxville, Tennessee 37933-0990

Pellissippi State Community College campus sign in west Knox County, Tennessee 02

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,440
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,497
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $92/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,725

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pellissippi State Community College?

Pellissippi State maintains an open enrollment policy typical of Tennessee community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 6,391 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education pathways. Most students are Tennessee residents, with 97.11% coming from in-state.

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

Students pay an average net price of $5,252 after aid, making it one of the more affordable college options in Tennessee. In-state tuition runs $4,576 annually, while 25.07% of students receive Pell Grants. Graduates typically leave with just $8,725 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $92.

What academic programs is Pellissippi State Community College known for?

The college excels in workforce development programs that prepare students for immediate employment in growing industries. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in both career-focused programs and transfer pathways. The school also serves as a strong stepping stone to four-year universities throughout Tennessee.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Pellissippi State Community College?

Graduates achieve a 92.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong connections to local employers in the Knoxville area. Median earnings reach $38,440 ten years after graduation, with many students entering the workforce immediately. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students secure jobs in Tennessee's growing economy.

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

The college sits in suburban Knoxville, providing students access to both educational opportunities and the amenities of Tennessee's second-largest metropolitan area. With 51.26% women and 48.74% men, the student body reflects a balanced gender distribution. The Panthers compete in NJCAA athletics with 87 total athletes across 6 varsity sports.

How does Pellissippi State Community College support transfer students?

The college has built strong transfer agreements with Tennessee's four-year universities, allowing students to complete general education requirements affordably. With a 27.70% six-year graduation rate, many students successfully transfer before completing their associate degree. Founded in 1974, Pellissippi State has developed a reputation as a reliable pathway to higher education in the region.