- Shelton State is a diverse institution. In addition to general education and technical/occupational programs, we have two divisions that are unique to the Alabama College System. Through the Alabama State Fire College and the Alabama Water Resources Center , Shelton State offers instruction to professionals in important public service positions throughout the state. In addition, the C. A. Fredd Campus of Shelton State , designated as an Historically Black College and University, plays a special role in extending the operations and activities of Shelton State to West Alabama 's culturally diverse population.
School Highlights
Shelton State Community College serves 4,601 students (36% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 32:1 is higher than the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 45%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 4,601 students
- In-state tuition: $3,960
- Out-state tuition: $7,350
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
- Minority enrollment: 44%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Shelton State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 145 teachers has declined by 56% over five years.
Shelton 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
145 staff
72 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Shelton State Community College has grown by 22% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 32:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Shelton State Community College diversity score of 0.57 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,601 students
1,828 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
32:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
1,647 students
737 students
# Part-Time Students
2,954 students
1,360 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
4,601 students
1,828 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,647 students
737 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,954 students
1,593 students
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
6%
7%
% Black
33%
27%
% White
56%
55%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
n/a
Diversity Score
0.57
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
29%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,300
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,960 is less than the state average of $4,428. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,350 is more than the state average of $7,209. The out-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,960
$4,428
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,350
$7,209
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
60%
91%
Acceptance Rate
75%
90%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Shelton State Community College is part of a state system of public colleges. This system originated in the Alabama Trade School and Junior College Authority Act enacted by the state legislature in May 1963. Shelton State Community College awards the Associate in Arts Degree, the Associate in Science Degree, the Associate in Applied Science Degree. The College also offers two types of certificate programs, certificate programs that are 30-60 semester hours in length and certificate programs that are 9-26 semester hours in length. The Associate in Applied Science Degree and the Certificate programs are designed for students who plan to seek employment based upon the competencies and skills attained through those programs of study. These degrees and certificates are included on the official Academic Inventory of Shelton State Community College maintained by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. The primary purpose of student financial assistance programs at Shelton State Community College is to assist students with meeting the cost of their education. Shelton State has an athletic department that has received state, regional and national recognition. Shelton fields five athletic teams; baseball, softball, women's soccer, and men's and women's basketball. The Shelton State Lifelong Learning Center is a nonprofit, self-supporting academic program designed for seniors, offers short courses in a variety of areas in a safe environment and at a low cost. The Shelton State Community College Adult Education Program has the vision of assisting adults in learning and developing skills for employment and self-sufficiency. An educated, employed workforce improves the social and economic conditions of any community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Shelton State Community College cost?
Shelton State Community College's tuition is approximately $3,960 for In-State students and $7,350 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Shelton State Community College?
The acceptance rate of Shelton State Community College is 75%, which is lower than the state average of 90%.
What is Shelton State Community College's ranking?
Shelton State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Alabama for: Diversity in US community colleges.
Recent Articles
Workforce Pell Is Coming: Should You Wait to Enroll?
Workforce Pell Grants launch in July 2026. Learn who benefits, which programs qualify, and whether delaying enrollment makes financial sense.
The “Total Commute Cost” Test for Choosing a Community College
Tuition is only part of the equation. Learn how to calculate the total commute cost when comparing community colleges and making enrollment decisions.
How to Tell Whether a Short-Term Certificate Is Worth Federal Aid
Not all short-term certificates offer the same value. Learn how to evaluate career outcomes, ROI, and employer demand before using federal aid.

