Snead State Community College: $5,472 Tuition

$5,472Tuition

1,494Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,735Earnings

#11 in AlabamaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Snead State Community College

The Parsons have built a solid reputation in Alabama's Sand Mountain region, serving 1,494 students in the small town of Boaz. This community college focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways, with strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, and business. The town-distant setting means students get a close-knit college experience while staying connected to the broader Tennessee Valley area.

Students here pay an average net price of $6,369, making it one of the more affordable options in Alabama. In-state tuition runs $5,472, while those from low-income families pay even less at $5,408 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $35,735 ten years out, with typical debt loads of just $9,000. Monthly loan payments average $95, which is manageable given the employment rate of 93.3%. The math works for most students seeking career training or an affordable start to their four-year degree.

Women make up 64.12% of the student body, and 95.36% come from Alabama. The campus houses only 87 students, so most commute from the surrounding area. Eight varsity sports compete in the NJCAA, with 127 total athletes receiving $741,445 in athletic scholarships. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this tight-knit academic community.

Academics & Faculty

Snead State serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in rural Alabama. The college maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors despite being larger than many community colleges. With a 48.5% graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs within six years. The school emphasizes career-focused training alongside traditional transfer preparation, helping students either enter the workforce directly or continue to four-year universities. Nearly all students come from Alabama, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Academic programs center on practical skills and workforce development, reflecting the needs of the surrounding agricultural and manufacturing region.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,735

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,822
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,280
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services.	Associate	$19,592

View all 18 programs →

Campus Life

Snead State sits in the small town of Boaz, about an hour northeast of Birmingham and 90 minutes from Huntsville. With only 87 housing spots for 1,494 students, just 6% live on campus. Most students commute from nearby Marshall County communities or drive in from surrounding areas since 95% are Alabama residents.

The campus feels intimate with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, though classes can still fill up quickly. North Alabama's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for scorching summer heat. The Parsons compete in 8 NJCAA sports with $741,445 in athletic scholarships supporting 127 athletes. Weekend life revolves around commuter rhythms rather than campus traditions. Many students work part-time jobs since 34% receive Pell Grants and the average debt load hits $9,000. The employment rate reaches 93% after graduation, reflecting strong workforce preparation programs that serve the region's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 87 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–50°F
July Avg: 71°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.7"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at this small Alabama community college come from within the state, drawn by programs that prepare them for local careers. Women make up about two-thirds of the 1,494 students enrolled. The student body reflects the changing demographics of northern Alabama, with significant Hispanic representation alongside a white majority. One in three students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and working-class families. Students typically choose Snead State for its nursing, business, and technical programs that lead directly to employment in the region.

Men: 35.9%
Women: 64.1%
White: 64.3%
Black: 7.6%
Hispanic: 22.4%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 95.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.6%

Location

Snead State Community College sits in Boaz, Alabama, roughly 60 miles southeast of Huntsville and 70 miles northeast of Birmingham. The campus serves a town of about 9,000 residents in the Sand Mountain region of northeastern Alabama. This rural area is known for its rolling hills, agricultural heritage, and close-knit community atmosphere. With 95.36% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from the surrounding counties where many families have deep Alabama roots. The town-distant setting offers a quiet environment for focused study while remaining accessible to larger cities for internships and job opportunities. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Snead State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Boaz, Alabama 35957-0734

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,735
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,738
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Snead State Community College?

Snead State has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. With 1,494 enrolled students, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in north Alabama. The student body is 95.36% in-state residents, reflecting its role as a local educational resource.

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

The average net price is $6,369, making it an affordable option for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,408 after aid, while even higher-income families ($110K+) pay $9,550. With median debt of only $9,000 and monthly loan payments of $95, graduates avoid the heavy debt burden common at four-year schools.

What are the academic programs like at Snead State Community College?

The college maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring reasonable class sizes for personalized attention. Known for its career-focused programs and transfer pathways, Snead State operates on a semester system. Only 23.43% of students receive institutional grants averaging $5,411, as most aid comes from federal sources.

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

Graduates earn a median salary of $35,735 ten years after enrollment, with strong employment prospects at 93.3%. The college excels at preparing students for immediate workforce entry in technical fields. However, the 48.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many community college students face balancing work and family obligations.

What is campus life like at Snead State Community College?

The campus in Boaz offers limited residential options with housing for just 87 students at $4,700 annually. Most of the 64.12% female student body commutes from the surrounding area. The Parsons compete in eight NJCAA sports with 127 total athletes supported by $741,445 in athletic scholarships.

How diverse is the student population at Snead State Community College?

The student body is 64.26% White and 22.42% Hispanic, reflecting Alabama's changing demographics. With 33.59% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and low-income students. The relatively high Hispanic enrollment distinguishes Snead State from many rural Alabama institutions.