About Shelton State Community College
Students pay an average net price of $10,880 after financial aid, making it one of the more affordable pathways to higher education. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class families. Graduates earn a median of $35,014 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. The low federal loan rate of 0% suggests most students avoid significant debt.
The Buccaneers compete in eight NJCAA sports with 120 total athletes sharing nearly $1 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 21.5% six-year graduation rate reveals the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and academics. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, while the 94% employment rate shows strong job market outcomes for completers.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 45.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,014
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,358 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $46,321 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,699 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,534 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,267 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $21,508 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $17,717 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,060 |
Campus Life
As a commuter campus, most students drive to classes rather than live on campus. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors in smaller classroom settings. Tuscaloosa's humid subtropical climate requires shorts and t-shirts most of the academic year, with only brief winter months needing light jackets. Students often spend weekends working part-time jobs or attending University of Alabama football games just across town.
The Buccaneers compete in 8 NJCAA sports with 120 total athletes receiving $957,233 in athletic scholarships. Many students use Shelton State as a stepping stone to four-year universities, taking advantage of Alabama's transfer agreements. The 94% employment rate suggests graduates who enter the workforce directly find jobs relatively quickly in the Tuscaloosa area.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1952
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–56°F
- July Avg
- 71°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 57.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.8%
- Women
- 59.2%
- White
- 51.0%
- Black
- 38.7%
- Hispanic
- 5.1%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 92.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.9%
Location
- Address
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405-8522
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,014
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,063
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,900
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Shelton State Community College?
Shelton State Community College has open enrollment as a community college, welcoming students who need a fresh start or want to save money before transferring. The school serves 3,191 students and focuses on being an accessible pathway to higher education. Founded in 1952, it particularly serves students looking to bridge into four-year universities or gain career training.
How much does Shelton State Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,880 annually, making it an affordable option for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $10,256 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay up to $13,687. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class communities.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Shelton State Community College?
Classes maintain a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention than large universities. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career training programs alongside traditional transfer courses. Students benefit from smaller class sizes typical of community colleges.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Shelton State Community College?
Graduates achieve a 94% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. However, the 21.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing their programs. Those who do graduate earn a median of $35,014 ten years later, showing solid career outcomes for two-year degree holders.
Where is Shelton State Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home to the University of Alabama, creating a active college town atmosphere. Women make up 59% of the student body, and the school draws 92% of its students from within Alabama. As a midsize city setting, students have access to cultural events and internship opportunities while enjoying affordable living costs.
Does Shelton State Community College have athletics programs?
The Buccaneers compete in 8 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 120 total athletes. The school awards $957,233 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their education. As a historically Black community college, Shelton State has deep roots in serving diverse communities through both academics and athletics.
