Walters State Community College: $4,519 Tuition

$4,519Tuition

3,781Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,085Earnings

#18 in TennesseePublic2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Walters State Community College

Walters State Community College has built a strong reputation across East Tennessee for preparing students for both immediate careers and four-year university transfers. The college serves 3,781 students in Morristown, a small city nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Students choose from dozens of career-focused programs alongside traditional liberal arts courses that transfer seamlessly to state universities. The college has developed particularly strong partnerships with local healthcare systems and manufacturing companies.

The financial picture makes Walters State an attractive option for Tennessee families. In-state students pay just $4,519 in tuition, and the average net price drops to $4,153 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $37,085 ten years after starting college, making the return on investment solid for a two-year degree. Nearly 30% of students receive institutional grants averaging $6,386. The employment rate hits 95.2% for graduates who enter the workforce directly.

Women make up nearly 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and education programs. The college fields eight varsity sports teams with 120 student-athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. With 98% of students coming from Tennessee, Walters State maintains deep roots in Appalachian communities while preparing graduates for opportunities across the region.

Academics & Faculty

Walters State focuses on career-ready programs and transfer pathways that serve East Tennessee's workforce needs. The college offers strong programs in nursing, allied health, and technical fields that align with regional employment opportunities. Students work with faculty in an 18:1 ratio, providing more personal attention than larger universities. The 36% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. Nearly 98% of students come from Tennessee, creating a tight-knit campus community. The college excels at preparing students for immediate employment, with a 95.2% job placement rate after graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,085

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$46,790
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$41,937
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$39,369
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$38,649
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$37,208
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$36,134
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$29,461
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$29,250
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$28,960
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$25,194

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

Walters State sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, about 50 miles northeast of Knoxville. With 3,781 students spread across multiple campuses, you'll find a mix of recent high school graduates and working adults returning to school. The student body is 64% female and nearly 98% in-state, creating a tight-knit Tennessee community feel.

The temperate climate means you'll need both a winter coat for chilly mountain mornings and shorts for warm spring afternoons. Most students commute from surrounding East Tennessee communities rather than living on campus. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention in smaller classes. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like hiking in the nearby Smokies or visiting Norris Dam State Park. Students frequently work part-time jobs while attending classes, reflecting the college's focus on career preparation. The campus culture emphasizes practical learning and community connection. With 8 NJCAA sports teams and 120 student athletes, school spirit centers around basketball and baseball games during their respective seasons.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1970

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
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0
Rape	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–46°F
July Avg: 66°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.9"
Annual Snowfall: -765.5"

Student Demographics

Walters State draws primarily local students, with nearly 98% coming from Tennessee. Women make up almost two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health sciences programs that traditionally attract female students. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families across East Tennessee. The student body is predominantly white at 81%, with growing Hispanic enrollment at 9%. Most students are older than traditional college age, balancing education with work and family responsibilities in rural Appalachian communities.

Men: 36.2%
Women: 63.8%
White: 81.5%
Black: 2.9%
Hispanic: 9.2%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 97.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.0%

Location

Morristown sits in the foothills of East Tennessee, about 50 miles northeast of Knoxville. The campus serves a largely local population, with 97.86% of students from Tennessee. This small city of around 30,000 offers an affordable cost of living that helps keep student expenses manageable. The region combines Appalachian mountain culture with growing healthcare and manufacturing industries. Students benefit from the area's proximity to both Great Smoky Mountains National Park and larger urban centers. The setting provides a tight-knit community atmosphere where faculty know students personally. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Walters State Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Morristown, Tennessee 37813-6899

Rodney Atkins with his guitar singing close up

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,085
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,967
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Walters State Community College?

Walters State Community College follows the open admission policy typical of Tennessee community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school performance. The college serves 3,781 students primarily from East Tennessee, with 97.86% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education or career training in the region.

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

Students pay an average net price of $4,153 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at $4,519, while out-of-state students face higher costs at $17,719. The college keeps education affordable for Tennessee residents, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $3,816 net price.

What academic programs is Walters State Community College known for?

Walters State offers both career-focused programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities throughout Tennessee. The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in smaller class settings. Students benefit from hands-on learning in technical fields while also having the option to complete general education requirements for university transfer.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Walters State Community College?

The college achieves a 36% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the diverse paths community college students take. Graduates earn a median salary of $37,085 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 95.2% employment rate. These outcomes demonstrate the college's success in preparing students for immediate workforce entry or continued education.

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

The main campus sits in Morristown, Tennessee, a small city in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Students can participate in eight NJCAA varsity sports with 120 total athletes competing for $573,550 in athletic scholarships. The student body is 63.79% female and predominantly serves the local East Tennessee community.

Does Walters State Community College offer good financial aid options?

Only 28.01% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low in-state tuition without borrowing. The federal loan rate stands at 0%, meaning students graduate debt-free from federal loans. Nearly 30% receive institutional grants averaging $6,386, helping keep college costs manageable for Tennessee families.