- The mission of Nashville State Community College is to provide comprehensive educational programs and partnerships, exemplary services, an accessible, progressive learning environment, and responsible leadership to improve the quality of life for the communities it serves.
School Highlights
Nashville State Community College serves 7,533 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 33:1 is higher than the state community college average of 25:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 38%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 7,533 students
- In-state tuition: $3,872
- Out-state tuition: $15,273
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Student-teacher ratio: 33:1
- Minority enrollment: 54%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Nashville State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 226 teachers has declined by 53% over five years.
Nashville State Community College
(TN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1970
Total Faculty
226 staff
38 staff
School Calendar
AccreditationAccred.
American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF)
Student Body
The student population of Nashville State Community College has grown by 6% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 33:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The Nashville State Community College diversity score of 0.68 is more than the state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,533 students
1,083 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Student-Teacher Ratio
33:1
25:1
# Full-Time Students
3,261 students
416 students
Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Part-Time Students
4,272 students
667 students
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Enrollment Undergraduate
7,533 students
870 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,261 students
378 students
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,272 students
739 students
% Asian
4%
2%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Hispanic
13%
8%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Black
29%
20%
Showing 2008–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% White
46%
62%
Showing 2010–2025. View full 19-year historical data
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
3%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.57
Showing 2011–2025. View full 19-year historical data
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
16%
65%
Showing 2013–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Median Earnings 10 Years After Entry (measured in 2022-2023, in 2024 dollars)
$42,096
$41,480
Points are in the dollars of their own College Scorecard release, and the colleges behind the state line differ by period. The lines do not show inflation-adjusted growth.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $3,872 is less than the state average of $5,176. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $15,273 is less than the state average of $15,746. The out-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,872
$5,176
Out-State Tuition Fees
$15,273
$15,746
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
93%
Showing 2012–2025. View full 19-year historical data
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,815
$11,059
Showing 2008–2020. View full 14-year historical data
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,000
$5,000
Showing 2008–2020. View full 14-year historical data
Acceptance Rate
67%
95%
ACT Composite
18
19
ACT English
17
19
ACT Math
17
18
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
32 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
ACCESS ClubArchitectural and Civil Engineering Student Association
Art ClubCampus Crusade for Christ
Chess ClubCinema Arts Society
Creative Writing ClubFuture Ladies in Technology
FUTUROGreen Sleeves
Health and Fitness AssociationHistory Association
Honors College AssociationInternational Student Association
Kappa Beta DeltaKarate Club
LBGTQ AllianceMathematics Club
Music SocietyNational Society of Leadership and Success
Phi Theta KappaPhilosophy Club
Political TimesPsychology Club
Science Student AssociationSociety of Photography Students
Student Government AssociationStudent Occupational Therapy Assistant Organization
Surgical Technology Student OrganizationTau Alpha Pi
The BridgeTheater Club
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Nashville State opened in 1970 with an enrollment of 398 students. By the Fall of 2000, that number had grown to 7,315; with a current enrollment of over 10,000 students. Nashville State's initial offering of five Associate's degree programs has grown to over 80 degree and certificate programs. In addition, Nashville State offers continuing education courses ranging from technical skills to management training and programs providing training in such areas as computer-aided drafting and office technology. Nashville State shares a 109 acre campus with the Tennessee Technology Center at Nashville. The Nashville State facilities include 239,000 square feet of space for classrooms, labs, offices, student services, and a library. The college offers programs in Business & Applied Arts, English & Humanities, Health & Social Sciences, Information & Engineering Technologies and Math & Sciences. Nashville State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree, and the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Nashville State Community College cost?
Nashville State Community College's tuition is approximately $3,872 for In-State students and $15,273 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Nashville State Community College?
The acceptance rate of Nashville State Community College is 67%, which is lower than the state average of 95%.
What is Nashville State Community College's ranking?
Nashville State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Tennessee for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Fast Credential or Degree Pathway? How to Choose
Short-term training has more funding options, but speed is only one consideration. Compare immediate job preparation with documented degree pathways, remaining coursework, future costs, and realistic plans for returning.
Aerospace & Chip Programs: Should You Follow the Funding?
New investment is expanding technical training, but funding alone should not determine your major. Learn how to evaluate funded programs, student access, career fit, and benefits for your entering class.
Should You Choose a Community College Program Built Around One Major Local Employer?
A community college program tied to one major employer can offer valuable training. Learn how to weigh specialized skills, local job dependence, and your options if that employer changes course.
