- Drake?s mission is to provide vocational-technical education through academic and occupational training, from basic education through two-year technical programs. Students develop marketable skills in vocational-technical areas at J. F. Drake, one of a network of forty postsecondary institutions of its kind in the state of Alabama. The 30-acre campus houses eight buildings.
School Highlights
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College serves 1,187 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 29:1 is lower than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 45%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,187 students
- In-state tuition: $3,384
- Out-state tuition: $6,096
- Student-teacher ratio: 29:1
- Minority enrollment: 79%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 43% over five years.
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College
(AL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1961
Colors
White, Blue
Total Faculty
41 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College has grown by 43% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 29:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College diversity score of 0.58 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 10% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,187 students
1,828 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
29:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
309 students
737 students
# Part-Time Students
878 students
1,360 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
1,187 students
1,828 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
309 students
737 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
878 students
1,593 students
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
10%
7%
% Black
60%
27%
% White
21%
55%
% Two or more races
6%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
n/a
Diversity Score
0.58
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
12%
29%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$26,300
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,384 is less than the state average of $4,428. The in-state tuition has declined by 29% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,096 is less than the state average of $7,209. The out-state tuition has declined by 28% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,384
$4,428
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,096
$7,209
Tuition Notes
$3,000 per semester
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
90%
91%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Blue Eagle
- J. F. Drake State Technical College is a two-year, state-supported, coed, vocational-technical college founded in 1961. J. F. Drake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate in Applied Technology degree. Diplomas and certificates are also awarded. Drake Tech is located in northeastern Huntsville, home of the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Army Missile Command, Strategic Defense Command, the Redstone Arsenal, and a host of high-technology industrial centers. The area is one of the fastest-growing engineering and technology centers in the South. Huntsville offers students access to museums, shopping, and fine restaurants. The College assists African-American students to find and contact predominantly African- American schools and colleges which provide educational opportunities that are best suited to the individual students academic achievement and financial resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College cost?
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College's tuition is approximately $3,384 for In-State students and $6,096 for Out-State students.
What is J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College's ranking?
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Alabama for: Least expensive tuition and Diversity in US community colleges.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College is Huntsville Bible College (1.9 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Huntsville Bible College
Private not-for-profit
906 Oakwood Ave
Huntsville, AL 35811
(256) 469-7536
Huntsville, AL 35811
(256) 469-7536
1.9 miles
Enrollment: 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Private-state tuition: $3,720 Minority enrollment: 94%
6250 U S Highway 31 N
Tanner, AL 35671
(256) 306-2500
Tanner, AL 35671
(256) 306-2500
23.0 miles
Enrollment: 9,119 students Student-teacher ratio: 37:1 Acceptance rate: 100% In-state tuition: $4,260 Out-state tuition: $7,650 Minority enrollment: 36%
1233 E College St
Pulaski, TN 38478
(931) 424-4014
Pulaski, TN 38478
(931) 424-4014
38.1 miles
Enrollment: 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
6015 Ledford Mill Road
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 393-1500
Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 393-1500
44.0 miles
Enrollment: 5,980 students Student-teacher ratio: 32:1 In-state tuition: $3,804 Out-state tuition: $11,340 Minority enrollment: 32%
102 Elder Street
Boaz, AL 35957
(256) 593-5120
Boaz, AL 35957
(256) 593-5120
45.0 miles
Enrollment: 2,917 students Student-teacher ratio: 37:1 In-state tuition: $4,260 Out-state tuition: $7,590 Minority enrollment: 23%
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