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Public, 2-year

Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, Alabama · www.gadsdenstate.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$7,368

In-state $4,272

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

5,071

Student-faculty ratio 17:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

32.2%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 38.6%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Gadsden State Community College, located in Gadsden, Alabama, is renowned for its commitment to providing quality education and a supportive learning environment for its students. The college, established in 1925, offers a variety of programs that cater to diverse academic interests, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to four-year universities. One of the key features of Gadsden State is its emphasis on community involvement and workforce development, which aligns with its mission to serve the educational needs of the local population and promote economic growth in the region.

The college boasts a friendly and inclusive campus culture, encouraging student engagement through various clubs, organizations, and events. Gadsden State places a strong focus on student success, providing access to resources such as tutoring, counseling, and career services that enhance the student experience. The faculty at Gadsden State is known for its dedication and expertise, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. With a range of athletic programs and extracurricular activities, students have ample opportunities to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. Overall, Gadsden State Community College stands out as a vital institution that nurtures student potential and prepares graduates for successful futures.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Gadsden State Community College

The data from Gadsden State Community College reveals significant trends in tuition, graduation rates, student retention, and gender ratio among undergraduates.

Firstly, tuition costs have shown a steady increase over the years. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition rose from $3,900 in 2014 to $5,312 in 2023, marking a 36% increase. Out-of-state tuition also escalated from $7,230 to $9,312, reflecting a 29% rise. This trend is concerning as it outpaces inflation and may deter prospective students, especially from lower-income backgrounds.

The graduation rates present a more positive picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates improved significantly from about 12% in 2013 to nearly 19% in 2023. Similarly, the graduation rate within 150% of the expected time increased from approximately 17% to 27%. This upward trend suggests that the college's initiatives to support student success are gaining traction, possibly through enhanced academic advising and support services.

Retention rates have also seen a notable increase, climbing from around 52% in 2013 to approximately 65% in 2023. This improvement indicates that more students are choosing to continue their education at the institution, which is often a sign of satisfaction with the academic environment and resources available.

Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up around 58-62% of the undergraduate population over the years. This demographic trend reflects broader national patterns in higher education where women are increasingly enrolling in college compared to men.

In summary, while rising tuition poses potential challenges for access to education, Gadsden State Community College is making strides in improving graduation and retention rates, which are critical for student success and institutional reputation.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Birmingham, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 50 mi
Gadsden, Alabama
Also known as
GSCC, Gadsden State, Gadsden Community College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Mr. Alan Smith (President)
Phone
2565498200
City
Gadsden, Alabama
Address
1001 George Wallace Dr, Gadsden, AL 35903

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate6042 international (0.3%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
General Studies
169
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
103
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
58
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General
29
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
27
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
26
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
24
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
22
Child Care and Support Services Management
21
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician
18

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Gadsden State Community College

The graduation data from Gadsden State Community College reveals some noteworthy trends in the fields of study for the academic year 2023. Notably, the program in General Studies produced the highest number of associate degree graduates, with 308 students completing their studies. This suggests a strong interest in a versatile education that can lead to various career paths or further education.

In the healthcare domain, Registered Nursing emerged as a prominent program, graduating 78 students, indicating a robust demand for nursing professionals in the healthcare sector, which is consistent with national trends emphasizing the need for qualified healthcare providers. Additionally, the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program had a commendable output of 20 graduates, showcasing the growing importance of diagnostic imaging in modern medicine.

Interestingly, many programs, particularly in engineering and technical fields, had zero graduates listed for bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees, reflecting a potential gap in advanced training opportunities or student enrollment in these areas. The absence of graduates in these fields could indicate a need for enhanced recruitment strategies or curriculum development to attract more students.

Furthermore, the international student graduation figures are minimal across most programs, with only a total of 12 associate graduates. This highlights the college's potential to expand its international outreach and attract a more diverse student body, especially in programs with significant local job opportunities.

Overall, the data illustrates a college environment with strong outputs in certain fields while also pointing towards areas that may benefit from increased focus and investment in educational resources.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 191 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$27,648
General Studies.$27,648
Health professionshas 174 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Dental Assisting/Assistant.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$36,277-$48,817
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician.$36,277-$48,817
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$36,277-$48,817
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.$43,482
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,027
Mechanic and repair has 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician.$57,585
Engineering technologieshas 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.-
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Businesshas 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.$30,628
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Culinary has 27 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager.$15,398-$23,374
Human science has 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care and Support Services Management.-
Computer and information sciencehas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Legal professionshas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Court Reporting and Captioning/Court Reporter.-
Precision production has 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Tool and Die Technology/Technician.$31,784-$43,386

Students

5,071 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 62.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,071)

White
3,422 · 67.5%
Black
847 · 16.7%
Hispanic
427 · 8.4%
Two or more races
265 · 5.2%
Asian
48 · 0.9%
International
39 · 0.8%
Unknown
4 · 0.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
25.9%
18–19
27.1%
20–21
14.5%
22–24
9.8%
25 and over
22.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Gadsden State Community College in 2023

The student body at Gadsden State Community College in 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics and gender distribution of its population. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 969 students, with a notable female majority of 55.4%, while males make up 44.6%. This trend of a higher female enrollment appears to be consistent across other categories as well. For undergraduate juniors, the figures show an even larger discrepancy, with females comprising 67.6% of the 2,136 students, indicating a pronounced gender imbalance in upper-level undergraduate enrollment.

Undergraduate transfer students also reflect this pattern, with females accounting for 72.7% of the total 341 students. Interestingly, the demographic data for graduate students shows a more balanced gender distribution, with males and females nearly equal at 49.4% and 50.6%, respectively. This suggests that as students progress to graduate studies, the gender gap narrows, possibly due to different motivations, career goals, or the nature of the programs offered.

Additionally, the breakdown by race among undergraduate freshmen indicates that white students represent the largest ethnic group, followed by other minorities. This racial composition highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse backgrounds, especially in light of national discussions on equity in education.

Overall, the demographic trends at Gadsden State Community College reflect broader societal patterns, where female students are increasingly pursuing higher education, while the need for diversity and inclusion remains a critical focus for educational institutions. Addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable access for all students is vital for fostering an enriching academic community.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Gadsden State Community College

The age demographics of students at Gadsden State Community College reveal an interesting trend in the composition of its student body. The data indicates that the majority of students are under the age of 24, with the highest number of undergraduates aged 18-19, totaling 1,345 students. This age group represents approximately 43% of the total student population.

Notably, the number of younger students (<18) is also significant, accounting for 328 individuals, which suggests that the college attracts a considerable number of recent high school graduates. However, as we progress through the age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For instance, the number of students aged 30-34 drops to just 79, demonstrating a clear trend where older age groups are less represented in the student population.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students recorded in the data, which may indicate a gap in postgraduate enrollment or a focus on undergraduate education at this institution. Furthermore, the data also shows a striking gender balance among younger students, with both male and female undergraduates being well represented, although the numbers for graduate studies are absent.

This age distribution aligns with broader trends observed in community colleges across the United States, where younger students typically dominate enrollment figures. This shift towards younger demographics could be influenced by various factors, including increased accessibility to higher education and the societal emphasis on obtaining a college degree immediately after high school. Overall, Gadsden State Community College reflects these trends while highlighting opportunities for increased engagement with older students and graduate programs in the future.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.8%

39 in 2025 · 2.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.5%2017: 2.3%2018: 2.2%2019: 2.1%2020: 2.0%2021: 1.3%2022: 0.8%2023: 1.2%2024: 1.1%2025: 0.8%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Gadsden State Community College

The data reflecting international student enrollment at Gadsden State Community College from 2004 to 2023 displays a concerning trend. Over the years, the total number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, but the number of international students has shown a significant decline. In 2004, there were 190 international students, accounting for 3.24% of the undergraduate population. However, this percentage has steadily decreased, reaching a low of just 0.84% in 2022, with only 36 international students enrolled.

This decline in international enrollment can be attributed to several factors. The global pandemic, changes in immigration policies, and increased competition from other institutions may have contributed to this downturn. Furthermore, the recent geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties could discourage prospective international students from pursuing studies in the United States.

In contrast, the overall number of undergraduate students at the institution has seen a decline from 5,859 in 2004 to 4,352 in 2023. This suggests that while the college has experienced a reduction in total enrollment, the decrease in the number of international students is disproportionately larger.

Maintaining a diverse student body is critical for enriching the educational experience and fostering global perspectives on campus. Therefore, Gadsden State Community College may need to develop strategic initiatives aimed at attracting and supporting international students, such as enhancing recruitment efforts, offering scholarships, and improving support services. Without these efforts, the college risks losing valuable cultural diversity and the benefits that come with it.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$12,768

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$7,368
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$4,272
Room and board
$5,400
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose -1% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 50%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$82.7M

Government grants and contracts
$56.1M67.9%
Tuition and fees
$6.9M8.3%
Investment return
$2.2M2.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$860K1.0%
Gifts and private grants
$495K0.6%
Sales and services of educational activities
$83K0.1%
Other
$16.0M19.4%

Expenses$62.4M

Instruction
$22.5M36.1%
Institutional support
$8.8M14.2%
Student services
$6.2M10.0%
Scholarships
$5.8M9.2%
Academic support
$2.5M4.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$845K1.4%
Public service
$135K0.2%
Other
$15.6M24.9%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$66,980peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division I MENWOMEN
Baseball42-
Basketball1717
Softball-30
Volleyball-15
Tennis11-
Cross Country64
2024
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball39-
Basketball1715
Cross Country76
Volleyball-13
Tennis11-
2023
NJCAA Division IMENWOMEN
Basketball1312
Volleyball-17
Cross Country67
Tennis9-

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Gadsden State Community College:

  1. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142nd in the 2024 US News rankings, UAB is a comprehensive university known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.

  2. Emory University - With a rank of 24, Emory University is recognized for its rigorous academics and is home to a prestigious medical school, making it a leader in healthcare education.

  3. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is well-regarded for its engineering and technology programs, providing a robust curriculum for aspiring engineers and innovators.

  4. Auburn University - Auburn ranks 93rd and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and business disciplines.

  5. Vanderbilt University - With an impressive rank of 18, Vanderbilt is a private research university known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary education and research initiatives.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence and contributions to research and community development.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
2
Aggravated assault
1
Burglary
1
Motor vehicle theft
1
Weapons referrals
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at Gadsden State Community College

The crime statistics at Gadsden State Community College reveal significant fluctuations over the years, indicating a complex relationship between campus safety and student behavior. From 2013 to 2023, the average crime rate per 1,000 students showed a notable spike in 2015, reaching 5.52, which raises concerns about campus safety during that period. This peak could be attributed to various factors, including increased reporting or a rise in incidents, particularly related to drug arrests and domestic violence.

In contrast, recent years have demonstrated a commendable decline in crime rates. By 2022, the average crime rate plummeted to just 0.05 per 1,000 students, suggesting that the college's efforts to enhance campus security and foster a safer environment may be yielding positive results. The absence of recorded incidents in 2022 is particularly striking, highlighting a possible turning point for improved campus safety.

It is important to consider the broader context of crime trends in educational institutions across the nation. Many colleges have implemented stringent policies and awareness programs aimed at reducing crime, especially in relation to drug use and violence. Furthermore, the ongoing dialogue around mental health and student well-being is critical in addressing the root causes of such behaviors.

The data from Gadsden State Community College serves as a reminder that, while challenges persist, proactive measures can lead to substantial improvements in campus safety. Continuous monitoring, community engagement, and educational outreach remain vital in maintaining and further enhancing a secure learning environment for all students. For a deeper understanding of crime rate calculations, refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Gadsden State Community College include Jeff Cook (Founding member of country band Alabama), Drake White (Country music singer) and John Solomon Sandridge (Painter and sculptor licensed by Coca-Cola).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.