- The mission of the College is to provide quality academic, technical, and health science programs which are affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the community, business, industry, and government. As an open-door institution, the College provides an educational program that complements the various ability levels of a diverse student population. In support of these efforts, the College employs a highly qualified staff which is active in the planning and evaluation of all programs. The education offered allows for successful transfer entry into upper-level study at a senior college or university, trains for immediate employment upon completion of a technically-oriented program, and provides educational opportunities for those students interested in careers in the health care field.
School Highlights
Southern Union State Community College serves 5,063 students (50% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 31:1 is same as the state community college average of 31:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 45%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 5,063 students
- In-state tuition: $3,696
- Out-state tuition: $6,860
- Student-teacher ratio: 31:1
- Minority enrollment: 30%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Southern Union State Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alabama for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 165 teachers has declined by 47% over five years.
Southern Union 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
165 staff
72 staff
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southern Union State Community College has grown by 28% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 31:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The Southern Union State Community College diversity score of 0.47 is less than the state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has grown by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,063 students
2,097 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
31:1
31:1
# Full-Time Students
2,553 students
737 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
2,510 students
1,360 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
5,063 students
1,828 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,553 students
737 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,510 students
1,593 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
460 students
460 students
% Asian
2%
1%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
5%
7%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
18%
27%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
70%
55%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
n/a
Diversity Score
0.47
0.62
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
29%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,600
$29,600
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $3,696 is less than the state average of $4,029. The in-state tuition has declined by 23% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,860 is less than the state average of $6,906. The out-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,696
$4,029
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,860
$6,906
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
78%
91%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$10,750
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Southern Union State Community College serves residents of an eight county area of East Central Alabama as well as neighboring Georgia counties from its campuses in Wadley, Valley and Opelika. A three-faceted educational emphasis is on academic programs for transferability, technical/vocational programs for specialized career competencies, and nursing and allied health programs for specialized training in health sciences. Southern Union State Community College was formed on August 12, 1993, when the Alabama State Board of Education effectively merged Southern Union State Junior College, located in Wadley, Valley, and Opelika, with Opelika State Technical College in Opelika. From its opening with 51 students in a single building on September 13, 1923, until 1964, the College remained church related, operating as Piedmont Junior College, Southern Union College, and The Southern Union College. On October 1,1964, the college was deeded to the State of Alabama and became part of a newly created system of two-year colleges under the governance of the Alabama State Board of Education. The name of the college became Southern Union State Junior College. Southern Union State Community College provide a comprehensive and accessible program of instruction which offers opportunities for lifelong learning through pre-baccalaureate, technical, occupational, health science, and continuing education programs. The pine-wooded Wadley Campus is bordered by a scenic 15-acre college lake. Since 1922, this campus has served students in the tradition of a small college providing the complete college experience including on-campus housing. An outstanding athletic program and an emphasis on the fine arts can be found at the Wadley Campus along with a strong academic curriculum and selected technical and health sciences courses. Southern Union State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science and Associate in Occupational Technologies Degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southern Union State Community College cost?
Southern Union State Community College's tuition is approximately $3,696 for In-State students and $6,860 for Out-State students.
What is Southern Union State Community College's ranking?
Southern Union State Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Alabama for: Largest student body.
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