- 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 6,109 students (43% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is same as the state community college average of 19:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 44%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 6,109 students
- In-state tuition: $3,696
- Out-state tuition: $6,860
- Student:teacher ratio: 19:1
- Minority enrollment: 31%
- 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 315 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Southern Union State Community College
(AL) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
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
315 staff
158 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southern Union State Community College has grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Southern Union State Community College diversity score of 0.49 is less than the state average of 0.61. The school's diversity has grown by 12% over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,109 students
2,683 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
19:1
# Full-Time Students
2,649 students
869 students
# Part-Time Students
3,460 students
1,814 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
610 students
422 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,649 students
869 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,460 students
2,077 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
30 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
460 students
168 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
4%
6%
% Black
18%
26%
% White
69%
56%
% Hawaiian
n/a
2%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
2%
3%
Diversity Score
0.49
0.61
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2445%
0.2897%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,600
$29,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,696 is less than the state average of $4,077. 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 $7,002. The out-state tuition has declined by 19% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,696
$4,077
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,860
$7,002
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
78%
90%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
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 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.
Recent Articles
Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.
How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.
