- Jefferson State Community College, one of Alabama’s leading two-year colleges, has provided excellence in education and workforce training for the greater Birmingham area for almost 40 years. Founded in 1965, Jefferson State offers more than 120 university transfer programs, 20 career programs with multiple options, and numerous certificate programs. Jefferson State also offers a comprehensive approach to workforce training through a variety of credit and non-credit programs.
School Highlights
Jefferson State Community College serves 12,436 students (19% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the state community college average of 19:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 44%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 12,436 students
- In-state tuition: $4,320
- Out-state tuition: $7,710
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Student:teacher ratio: 24:1
- Minority enrollment: 37%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Jefferson State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 511 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Jefferson State Community College
(AL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
511 staff
158 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Jefferson State Community College has grown by 42% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Jefferson State Community College diversity score of 0.55 is less than the state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,436 students
2,683 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
19:1
# Full-Time Students
2,382 students
869 students
# Part-Time Students
10,054 students
1,814 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
124 students
422 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,382 students
869 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
10,054 students
2,077 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
30 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
168 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
3%
2%
% Hispanic
7%
6%
% Black
22%
26%
% White
63%
56%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
n/a
3%
Diversity Score
0.55
0.61
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
22%
29%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
30%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,400
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,320 is more than the state average of $4,077. The in-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,710 is more than the state average of $7,002. The out-state tuition has declined by 21% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,320
$4,077
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,710
$7,002
Tuition Notes
$170 per credit hour for in-state students; $299 per credit hour for out-of-state students; Senior adult fees $41 per credit hour.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
70%
90%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,950
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
23%
88%
SAT Reading
n/a
530
SAT Math
n/a
545
ACT Composite
n/a
23
ACT English
n/a
21
ACT Math
n/a
22
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- The Jefferson campus is located in the northeast section of Birmingham, approximately 10 miles north of I-20/I-59, just off Highway 79 and Carson Road and one mile west of Center Point. The beautiful, wooded 200 acre campus is located in a suburban area. The college is built on one of the highest elevations in Jefferson County. Almost a million people live in the area served by the college. Jefferson State offers a comprehensive approach to customized workforce training through an ACT Center, Training for Business and Industry, GED programs, adult education, remedial education, workforce readiness training, and programs to assist dislocated workers, displaced homemakers and other special populations. Jefferson State is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate Degree. Individual academic programs are nationally accredited by 10 different professional evaluating organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Jefferson State Community College cost?
Jefferson State Community College's tuition is approximately $4,320 for In-State students and $7,710 for Out-State students.
What schools are Jefferson State Community College often compared to?
Jefferson State Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Lawson State Community College by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Jefferson State Community College?
The acceptance rate of Jefferson State Community College is 23%, which is lower than the state average of 88%. Jefferson State Community College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Alabama with low acceptance rates.
What is Jefferson State Community College's ranking?
Jefferson State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Alabama for: Lowest acceptance rates and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Jefferson State Community College located?
Jefferson State Community College is located in the Sun Valley neighborhood of Birmingham, AL.
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