About Southern Union State Community College
Students pay an average net price of $8,652 after financial aid, with those from lower-income families paying around $7,000. Graduates earn a median of $36,597 ten years after starting, while carrying just $11,000 in debt. The employment rate hits 92.9%, showing strong job placement in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Monthly loan payments average only $117, making this education financially manageable for working-class families.
The Bison compete in 11 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 211 total athletes sharing $784,552 in athletic scholarships. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation college students from modest backgrounds. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small for a community college. The 27% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work, family, and education in rural Alabama.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 39.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,597
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,752 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $48,041 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $33,007 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Associate | $30,409 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $22,420 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,891 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,786 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Associate | $15,552 |
Campus Life
The 21:1 student-faculty ratio reflects smaller class sizes typical of community colleges focused on career training. With 211 athletes competing in 11 NJCAA sports, Bison games provide weekend entertainment for students who stick around campus. The $784,552 in athletic scholarships helps draw talent to this rural setting. Most students work part-time jobs in nearby towns or complete internships tied to their technical programs. The semester calendar system keeps pace manageable while students balance coursework with jobs and family responsibilities that come with serving a largely local population where 91% of students stay in-state.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 460 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1993
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–54°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.1%
- Women
- 55.9%
- White
- 67.8%
- Black
- 20.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.6%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 90.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.8%
Location
- Address
- Wadley, Alabama 36276
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,597
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,215
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Southern Union State Community College?
Southern Union maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or GED. The college serves 3,888 students across multiple campuses in rural east Alabama. Founded in 1993, it focuses on providing accessible higher education to the region's working-class communities.
How much does Southern Union State Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,652 annually, with in-state tuition at $4,980 and out-of-state at $8,790. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve lower-income rural families. Graduates typically leave with just $11,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $117.
What academic programs is Southern Union State Community College known for?
The college emphasizes career and technical programs designed for Alabama's rural workforce needs. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its semester system, students receive hands-on training in trades and technical fields. The school's focus on practical skills helps achieve a 92.9% employment rate among graduates.
What career outcomes do Southern Union State Community College graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median of $36,597 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's emphasis on workforce-ready programs. The 27% six-year graduation rate is typical for rural community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. However, the strong 92.9% employment rate shows the value of the college's career-focused training.
Where is Southern Union State Community College located and what is campus life like?
The main campus sits in rural Wadley, Alabama, serving a predominantly local student body with 91% from in-state. Housing accommodates 460 students in a close-knit environment with room and board costing $6,000 annually. The rural-remote setting creates a tight community atmosphere distinct from urban college experiences.
Does Southern Union State Community College offer athletics and what sports can students play?
The Bison compete in 11 NJCAA varsity sports with 211 total student-athletes receiving $784,552 in athletic scholarships. Athletics provide opportunities for students in Alabama's sports-oriented culture while supporting academic goals. The athletic programs help build school spirit and community connections in the rural setting.
