Volunteer State Community College: $4,524 Tuition

$4,524Tuition

5,139Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,150Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Volunteer State Community College

Volunteer State Community College serves 5,139 students in the suburbs of Gallatin, just outside Nashville. This community college has built its reputation as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in middle Tennessee. The school offers both transfer programs for students planning to continue at four-year universities and career training programs designed to get graduates into the workforce quickly. Nearly all students (99.21%) come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students pay an average net price of $10,477 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $4,524. Graduates earn a median of $41,150 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $7,550 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $80, and the employment rate reaches 93.7%. Only 6.17% of students need federal loans, suggesting most can afford their education without heavy borrowing.

Women make up 62.25% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and education programs. The Pioneers compete in four NJCAA sports with 87 total athletes. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain small enough for personal attention despite the school's size.

Academics & Faculty

Volunteer State Community College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing four-year degrees and career certifications in middle Tennessee. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 24% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family commitments. Vol State offers solid transfer pathways to Tennessee's public universities through articulation agreements. The college emphasizes practical career training in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and computer information systems. With 99% of students coming from in-state, the campus maintains strong connections to local employers and industry needs. Students benefit from affordable tuition and programs designed for both traditional and working adult learners.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 41.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,150

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Fire Protection.	Associate	$63,005
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$45,956
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$44,595
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$36,674
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$36,560
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$29,685
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$29,322
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$28,236
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,542

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Vol State sits in Gallatin, about 30 miles northeast of Nashville, putting Music City within reach for weekend trips. The campus serves 5,139 students with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across suburban Tennessee. Nearly all students (99.21%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 62.25% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health science programs.

This is a commuter campus where most students drive in for classes then head to work or home. The 87 student-athletes in four NJCAA sports add some school spirit, though the Pioneers compete at a smaller scale than four-year programs. Students often balance coursework with jobs, given that 93.7% find employment after graduation. The Tennessee climate means mild winters requiring light jackets but hot, humid summers where air conditioning becomes essential. Many students use Vol State as a stepping stone, either transferring to four-year universities or jumping into careers with median earnings reaching $41,150 within ten years.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1971

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	1
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–46°F
July Avg: 68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.9"
Annual Snowfall: 4.6"

Student Demographics

Volunteer State draws almost entirely from Tennessee, with 99% of students coming from in-state. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs that attract female students. About 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many working-class families in middle Tennessee. The diverse mix includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside the white majority. Most students are older than traditional college age, balancing work and family while pursuing career changes or advancing their skills through Vol State's practical programs.

Men: 37.8%
Women: 62.3%
White: 71.0%
Black: 10.2%
Hispanic: 10.3%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.5%

Location

Volunteer State Community College sits in Gallatin, Tennessee, about 30 miles northeast of Nashville. The campus serves a large suburban area in Middle Tennessee known for its rolling hills and proximity to Old Hickory Lake. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 99.21% being Tennessee residents. The Gallatin area combines small-town charm with easy access to Nashville's job market and entertainment scene. Students benefit from affordable living costs while staying connected to one of the South's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The region offers outdoor recreation opportunities and a strong sense of community typical of Middle Tennessee. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Volunteer State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gallatin, Tennessee 37066-3188

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,150
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,209
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $80/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,550

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Volunteer State Community College?

Vol State maintains an open enrollment policy typical of Tennessee community colleges, admitting students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves over 5,000 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to middle Tennessee residents. Nearly all students are Tennessee residents, with 99.21% coming from in-state.

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

Students pay an average net price of $10,477 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $9,253 after aid, while the sticker price starts at $4,524 for Tennessee residents. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with manageable debt of $7,550.

What academic programs is Volunteer State Community College known for?

Vol State offers both transfer programs for students heading to four-year universities and career training in technical fields. Classes average 19 students per faculty member, providing more personal attention than larger institutions. The college operates on a traditional semester system and emphasizes practical skills alongside academic preparation.

What job prospects do Volunteer State Community College graduates have?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.7% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career readiness. Ten years after enrollment, alumni earn a median salary of $41,150, which is solid for a two-year degree program. However, only 24.3% of students complete their programs within six years, indicating many attend part-time while working.

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

The campus sits in Gallatin, Tennessee, a large suburban community north of Nashville. Vol State fields four varsity sports teams competing in the NJCAA, with 87 total student-athletes supported by $161,216 in athletic scholarships. The student body is 62% women and primarily serves working adults and traditional-age students from the surrounding region.

Is Volunteer State Community College affordable for working students?

The college designed its programs with working adults in mind, keeping monthly loan payments low at just $80 for those who borrow. Only 6.17% of students take federal loans, suggesting many pay as they go or work while attending. Founded in 1971, Vol State has built a reputation as an affordable stepping stone for career advancement in middle Tennessee.