Jefferson State Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,970
In-state $5,100
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
9,240
Student-faculty ratio 19:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
23.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 28.7%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Jefferson State Community College (JSCC), located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a prominent institution known for its strong commitment to providing accessible, quality education to a diverse student body. Established in 1965, JSCC has developed a vibrant campus culture that emphasizes student engagement and community service. The college's motto, "Transforming Lives Through Education," reflects its mission to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals. The college offers a wide range of programs, including degrees in arts and sciences, health sciences, business, and technical education, catering to the various interests and career aspirations of its students.
The college is well-regarded for its dedicated faculty, who are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment. With an emphasis on hands-on experience and practical skills, JSCC prepares students for the workforce or further academic pursuits. Furthermore, the college boasts excellent facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, which enhance the learning experience. JSCC also promotes a rich campus life, encouraging students to participate in various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Graduates of Jefferson State Community College have found success in numerous fields, thanks to the solid foundation and career readiness the college provides.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Jefferson State Community College
The data from Jefferson State Community College reveals some significant trends and areas of concern over recent years, particularly regarding tuition fees, graduation rates, retention rates, and the student-to-faculty ratio.
First, tuition fees have seen a steady increase, especially for in-state students, which rose from $4,260 in 2014 to $5,220 in 2023. This represents a significant increase of around 22.5% over a span of nine years. For out-of-state students, tuition also increased from $7,590 to $8,910, marking an increase of approximately 17.4%. Such tuition hikes can deter potential students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, and may contribute to decreasing enrollment numbers in the coming years.
Graduation rates are another critical area of focus. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students improved from about 2.3% in 2013 to 8.1% in 2023. While this is a positive trend, it still indicates a high percentage of students are not completing their degrees within the expected timeframe. Additionally, the 150% graduation rate has increased to roughly 21.4%, suggesting that while more students are eventually graduating, the speed at which they do so remains a concern.
Retention rates have shown a gradual improvement, rising from around 48.1% in 2013 to 60.7% in 2023. This upward trend indicates that more students are choosing to continue their education at Jefferson State, which is a promising sign for the institution’s educational environment and support systems.
Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, hovering around 18 to 22 students per faculty over the past decade. A lower ratio typically contributes to better educational outcomes, as students receive more individualized attention. However, the slight fluctuations may suggest variations in faculty availability or student enrollment patterns.
In conclusion, while Jefferson State Community College has made strides in retention and graduation rates, the rising tuition and consistent student-to-faculty ratios pose challenges that need to be addressed to enhance student satisfaction and educational outcomes.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Birmingham, about 10 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 7 mi
- Also known as
- Jeff State, JSCC, Jefferson State
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Keith Brown (President)
- Phone
- 2058531200
- City
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Address
- 2601 Carson Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215-3098
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Jefferson State Community College
The graduation data from Jefferson State Community College in 2023 reveals significant trends and insights regarding student achievements across various fields. Notably, the highest number of graduates is seen in the Registered Nursing program, with 178 students earning an associate degree. This highlights the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in nursing, amidst ongoing public health challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of healthcare education, which likely influences enrollment and graduation rates in this sector.
In the realm of technical education, programs such as Veterinary/Animal Health Technology and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician also show promising graduation numbers, with 25 and 18 graduates, respectively. This indicates a robust interest in careers that support animal health and medical diagnostics, areas crucial for community welfare.
On the other hand, it is noteworthy that several programs, including Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering Technologies, and various business disciplines, reported no graduates. This could suggest a disconnect between industry needs and student enrollment, potentially leading to skills shortages in these fields. The absence of international students graduating in these disciplines further emphasizes the need for community colleges to bolster their appeal to a diverse student body, which is vital for a comprehensive educational experience.
Overall, the data reflects both strengths and areas for growth within the college's offerings, suggesting a need for strategic planning to align educational programs with market demands and to enhance recruitment efforts, particularly among international students.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $33,793 | |
| General Studies. | $33,793 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapy Assistant. | $47,260 | |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $50,630 | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $50,630 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $50,630 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Histologic Technician. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $70,596 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Office Management and Supervision. | $39,276-$39,969 | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - | |
| Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General. | $49,945-$50,607 | |
| Construction Engineering Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General. | $50,016 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $42,703 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | $37,430 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care and Support Services Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
Students
9,240 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 59.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 3,476
- First-year undergraduates 742
- Transfers and others 5,022
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (9,240)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at Jefferson State Community College in 2023
The student body at Jefferson State Community College in 2023 reflects a diverse and dynamic environment. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 1,318 students, with a notable gender distribution of 39.2% male and 60.8% female. This trend of a higher female population is consistent with many institutions across the nation, where women have increasingly outnumbered men in higher education settings.
Looking at the undergraduate seniors, the student count rises to 3,626, with a gender ratio of 34.5% male to 65.5% female. This continued pattern suggests that female students are not only entering college at higher rates but also persisting and graduating in substantial numbers. For undergraduate transfer students, there are 606 individuals, with a slightly lower male percentage of 33.5% compared to females at 66.5%.
The overall trend in student demographics showcases a growing emphasis on diversity, particularly with different ethnic backgrounds represented in the college's enrollment. However, specific details regarding the racial breakdown of the student body and the international student population remain less clear due to incomplete data for some categories.
Overall, these statistics highlight the evolving landscape of community college education, where an increasing number of female students are pursuing higher education, underscoring the importance of gender representation in academic institutions. Additionally, it is imperative for colleges to continue fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students, regardless of gender or ethnicity, to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Jefferson State Community College
The data from Jefferson State Community College reveals a significant concentration of students in the younger age brackets, particularly those under 24 years old. Students under 18 years old represent a substantial portion, with 939 male undergraduates and 1566 female undergraduates. This suggests that the college is a popular choice for recent high school graduates.
As we move into the 18-19 age group, the numbers remain high, with 752 male undergraduates and 1075 female undergraduates. This trend continues, though the numbers start to taper off in the 20-21 age range, with 498 males and 670 females. The data reflects a typical pattern observed in community colleges, where younger students tend to be more prevalent, possibly due to the accessibility and affordability of community college education.
Interestingly, the age groups above 24 see a marked decline in enrollment, with only 265 male and 537 female students aged 25-29, and even fewer in older age brackets. For instance, only 8 male students and 2 female students are aged over 65. This could indicate that many older adults may either be pursuing education elsewhere or may not consider community colleges as their primary path for further education.
Overall, the demographic trends at Jefferson State Community College align with broader educational patterns, where younger students dominate enrollment figures. However, the low numbers of older students highlight an area for potential growth, particularly as lifelong learning becomes increasingly important in today's job market. Promoting programs tailored for older learners might enhance diversity in age representation within the college.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
143 in 2025 · 1.8% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Jefferson State Community College
The data regarding international students at Jefferson State Community College reflects a concerning trend over the years. The total number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, peaking in 2011 with nearly 10,000 students. However, the number of international students has seen a significant decline from a peak of 163 in 2004 to just 121 in 2023. This represents a drop in the percentage of international undergraduates from 2.27% in 2004 to only 1.44% in 2023.
This decline may be indicative of broader trends in international education, where many students are opting for institutions that offer more resources and support for foreign students. Factors such as immigration policies, geopolitical tensions, and the global pandemic have also influenced students' choices regarding studying abroad.
Furthermore, the significant drop in enrollment from 163 international students in 2004 to a low of 41 in 2015 highlights the volatility in international student recruitment. The gradual recovery observed in subsequent years, with numbers rising to 196 in 2018, followed by fluctuations, suggests ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining international talent.
It's essential for Jefferson State Community College to assess and enhance its strategies for international student outreach and support. As global competition for international students intensifies, developing strong partnerships with foreign institutions and providing robust support services could be critical in reversing the current trend and fostering a more diverse academic community.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$24,891
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,970
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,100
- Room and board
- $15,921
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 63%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$84.3M
Expenses$72.6M
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.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | 9 | 5 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 8 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | 12 | 6 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 6 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | 12 | 5 |
| Cross Country | 7 | 9 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 11.4 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 13.9 mi
U.S. News #191
-
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa · 57.1 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 74.2 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 101.3 mi
U.S. News #100
-
The University of the SouthSewanee · 116.2 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 120.7 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 132.1 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 133.2 mi
U.S. News #29
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Jefferson State Community College:
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142 in 2024, UAB is a comprehensive university known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
Samford University - With a ranking of 185, Samford is a comprehensive university offering a rich liberal arts education, along with professional programs.
-
The University of Alabama - Ranked 170, this university is well-known for its extensive programs in various fields, including business and engineering.
-
Auburn University - With a rank of 93, Auburn is recognized for its vibrant campus life and strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33, Georgia Tech is a leading research university specializing in technology and engineering.
-
Emory University - A prestigious university ranked 24, Emory is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on research.
-
Vanderbilt University - With a rank of 18, Vanderbilt is a highly regarded university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community.
These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are well-respected in their respective fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Jefferson State Community College
The crime data from Jefferson State Community College over the years reveals a concerning trend in campus safety. Starting from a low rate of 0.11 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the average annual crime rate gradually increased, reaching its peak at 1.06 incidents per 1,000 students in 2022. This notable rise signifies a growing concern regarding student safety on campus.
Particularly alarming is the increase in incidents categorized as weapon-related arrests and drug-related offenses, which contribute significantly to the overall crime statistics. The spike in 2021, with 0.94 incidents per 1,000 students, and the subsequent rise in 2022, suggest a possible correlation with broader societal issues, including the impact of the pandemic on mental health and substance abuse. Colleges and universities nationwide have reported similar trends, indicating that the challenges faced at Jefferson State may not be isolated.
Moreover, the data indicates fluctuations in crime rates from year to year, which may reflect varying enforcement policies or changes in campus security measures. The increase in reported incidents could also point to a greater willingness among students to report such crimes, fostering a safer environment through transparency.
In conclusion, while Jefferson State Community College has maintained relatively low crime rates compared to national averages, the upward trend over recent years demands attention. Enhanced safety measures, awareness campaigns, and support services for students are essential to address these issues effectively. Continuous monitoring and responsive strategies will be vital in ensuring the campus remains a safe haven for all its students. For further details on crime rate calculations, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
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.