- 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 9,240 students (21% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 44:1 is higher than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 45%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 9,240 students
- In-state tuition: $4,320
- Out-state tuition: $7,710
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Student-teacher ratio: 44:1
- Minority enrollment: 38%
- 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 211 teachers has declined by 58% over five years.
Jefferson State Community 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
Total Faculty
211 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Jefferson State Community College has grown by 8% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 44:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Jefferson State Community College diversity score of 0.56 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 19% over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,240 students
1,828 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
44:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
1,954 students
737 students
# Part-Time Students
7,286 students
1,360 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
9,240 students
1,828 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,954 students
737 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,286 students
1,593 students
% Asian
2%
1%
% Hispanic
8%
7%
% Black
22%
27%
% White
62%
55%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
n/a
Diversity Score
0.56
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
22%
29%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,400
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,320 is less than the state average of $4,428. The in-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,710 is more than the state average of $7,209. The out-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,320
$4,428
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,710
$7,209
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
85%
91%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,950
$10,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,000
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
23%
90%
Source: 2025 (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 90%. 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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