Shelton State Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,997
In-state $5,127
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
4,601
Student-faculty ratio 18:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
21.5%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 21.6%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Shelton State Community College, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is renowned for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1978, the college has grown to become a vital part of the community, offering a wide range of associate degree programs and certificates that cater to the diverse needs of its students. The college's mission emphasizes student success, encouraging individuals to pursue higher education and vocational training. With a strong focus on academic excellence, Shelton State is dedicated to helping students achieve their educational and career goals.
The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational amenities that enhance the overall learning experience. Shelton State also boasts a vibrant student life, offering various clubs and organizations that encourage engagement and networking among students. The college's athletic programs further enrich campus culture, promoting teamwork and physical fitness. Notably, the institution has produced a number of successful alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields, demonstrating the effectiveness of Shelton State's educational programs. Overall, Shelton State Community College stands out as a nurturing environment that prioritizes student development and community involvement.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Shelton State Community College
Shelton State Community College has experienced notable changes in key educational metrics over the years, particularly in tuition rates, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.
Firstly, tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from $3,900 in 2014 to $5,067 in 2024, marking a significant rise of over 29%. This increase in tuition can be a barrier for many prospective students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The external tuition also saw a substantial increase, from $7,230 to $8,877, further highlighting the financial challenges facing students seeking higher education.
In terms of enrollment, there has been a steady decline in the number of undergraduate students, dropping from 5,104 in 2013 to 4,166 in 2023. This decline of approximately 18% raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain students amidst rising costs. The decrease could be attributed to several factors, including economic conditions, competition from other institutions, or shifts in demographic trends.
On a more encouraging note, graduation rates have shown a positive trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from 3.4% in 2013 to 15.9% in 2023, while the 150% graduation rate increased from 8.9% to 27.5%. This improvement suggests enhanced support systems and educational programs that may be helping students to complete their degrees in a timely manner.
Retention rates, which have fluctuated over the years, saw a slight increase from 53.2% in 2013 to 62.3% in 2023. This indicates that once students enroll, a greater proportion are choosing to continue their studies, possibly reflecting improvements in student engagement and support services.
Overall, while Shelton State Community College faces challenges with rising tuition and declining enrollment, the positive trends in graduation and retention rates suggest that the institution is making strides in fostering student success. Addressing the financial barriers to education will be crucial for sustaining these improvements and ensuring access for future students.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Birmingham, about 50 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 60 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Jonathan Koh (President)
- Phone
- 2053912211
- City
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Address
- 9500 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405-8522
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Shelton State Community College
The graduation data from Shelton State Community College presents an interesting landscape of degree attainment across various fields. Notably, the highest number of graduates is observed in Registered Nursing, with 90 students earning their associate degree. This aligns with national trends where nursing remains a high-demand profession, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the critical need for healthcare professionals.
In contrast, we observe a significant interest in Salon Management, with 38 graduates in this field, indicating a robust pursuit of careers in personal services. This could reflect a growing trend toward entrepreneurship and self-employment in the beauty industry, particularly as individuals seek flexible career options in a post-pandemic economy.
Interestingly, the data shows no international students graduating in any degree program, which raises questions about the college's ability to attract and retain a diverse student body. The absence of international graduates might be linked to various factors, including visa restrictions and the global shift towards online learning, which has made education more accessible from home countries.
Furthermore, the data indicates a lack of graduates in fields such as Engineering and Computer Sciences, which are traditionally seen as pivotal for economic growth and innovation. This could imply a gap in educational offerings or the need for enhanced recruitment strategies to draw students into these vital areas.
Overall, Shelton State Community College's graduation data highlights both strengths in healthcare and service industries and potential areas for growth in attracting diverse and international talent in other technical fields.
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. | $29,248 | |
| General Studies. | $29,248 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $62,256 | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $72,501 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager. | $21,306 | |
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician. | $84,004 | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Office Management and Supervision. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | $27,569 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - | |
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care and Support Services Management. | - |
Students
4,601 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 58.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,944
- First-year undergraduates 695
- Transfers and others 1,962
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (4,601)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at Shelton State Community College in 2023
The student population at Shelton State Community College reflects a diverse and dynamic educational environment in 2023. The number of new undergraduate students stands at 972, with a gender distribution favoring females, as they comprise 54.1% of this cohort. This trend of a higher female enrollment is consistent with national statistics, where women have been outpacing men in higher education enrollment in recent years.
In contrast, the returning undergraduate students number 2004, with an even more pronounced gender disparity, as females represent 61.5% of this group. Such a significant female presence may indicate a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for women pursuing higher education at Shelton State, aligning with broader societal shifts towards gender equity in education.
The transfer student population, totaling 281, shows a more gender-balanced distribution, with males at 49.5% and females at 50.5%. This balance might suggest that students who transfer to Shelton State are doing so from diverse educational backgrounds, potentially fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.
Moreover, the overall student population is complemented by a significant representation of minority groups among the new and returning students. The inclusion of various ethnic backgrounds in these categories enriches the academic culture and enhances the learning environment for all students.
In summary, Shelton State Community College's student demographics underscore an evolving higher education landscape, characterized by increasing female enrollment and a commitment to diversity, which is essential for preparing students to thrive in a global society.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Shelton State Community College
The age composition of students at Shelton State Community College in 2023 reveals significant trends regarding the demographic structure. The data indicates a predominance of younger students, particularly those under 18 and in the 18-19 age bracket. Notably, the 18-19 age group accounts for approximately 36% of the total student population, which suggests that the institution is attractive to recent high school graduates.
Furthermore, the enrollment of students aged 20-21 remains robust, representing around 25% of the total population. This pattern reflects a common trend in community colleges, where younger adults, often seeking to further their education or acquire vocational skills, form a significant portion of the student body.
As we move into older age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. For example, the 25-29 age group comprises only about 8% of the total student body, and the numbers continue to decrease in older age segments. This trend may indicate barriers faced by older students, such as family commitments or financial challenges, which can limit their ability to pursue higher education.
Interestingly, the absence of graduate male students and the minimal representation of graduate females suggest that Shelton State Community College primarily serves undergraduate students. This could indicate a need for more graduate programs to cater to those seeking advanced degrees.
Overall, the data presents a clear picture of a youthful, predominantly undergraduate student body, while also highlighting potential areas for growth in serving older students and expanding graduate education opportunities.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
36 in 2025 · 0.9% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Shelton State Community College
The data from Shelton State Community College reveals significant fluctuations in the number and proportion of international undergraduate students over the years. Starting from a mere 0.09% in 2008, there has been a notable increase in the international student population, peaking at 1.04% in 2021. This trend highlights the growing appeal of Shelton State as a destination for international students, despite the challenges posed by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between 2008 and 2021, the number of international undergraduates rose from just 5 to 39, with a remarkable surge in 2016 and 2017 when the percentage exceeded 1%. This period of growth may reflect both an enhanced recruitment strategy and an increased awareness of the college's programs among international students. However, the fluctuations suggest that various external factors, including changing immigration policies and global socio-economic conditions, may have impacted enrollment rates.
The lack of data for graduate students in this timeframe indicates a potential area for growth and development for the institution. As many community colleges in the U.S. are beginning to recognize the value of international students, it would be beneficial for Shelton State to explore avenues to attract graduate students as well, enhancing its diversity and academic offerings.
Overall, the data showcases an evolving landscape for international students at Shelton State Community College, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning in response to global trends in education and mobility.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$20,997
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,997
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,127
- Room and board
- $12,000
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 22% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 82%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$62.8M
Expenses$53.9M
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 40 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| Cross Country | 10 | 8 |
| Golf | 8 | 7 |
| Other Sports | - | 13 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| Cross Country | 8 | 7 |
| Golf | 8 | 6 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Golf | 8 | 6 |
| Cross Country | 5 | 5 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa · 6.4 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 50.4 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 51.4 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 74.6 mi
U.S. News #208
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 122.8 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 125.6 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of MississippiUniversity · 142.4 mi
U.S. News #179
-
The University of the SouthSewanee · 171.9 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 186.7 mi
Liberal Arts #34
Data insights
Here are some notable colleges and universities near Shelton State Community College:
-
The University of Alabama - Ranked 170 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Auburn University - With a rank of 93, Auburn is a leading comprehensive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a spirited athletics culture.
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham - This comprehensive university, ranked 142, is recognized for its research initiatives and healthcare programs, providing a unique blend of education and practical experience.
-
Vanderbilt University - A prestigious institution ranked 18th, Vanderbilt is known for its rigorous academic standards and strong emphasis on research and innovation.
-
Spelman College - As a historically Black liberal arts college ranked 39th, Spelman focuses on empowering women of African descent through a strong liberal arts education.
-
Rhodes College - This liberal arts college, ranked 56, offers a personalized education with a commitment to intellectual and personal growth.
These institutions provide diverse educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Shelton State Community College.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Shelton State Community College
The crime data from Shelton State Community College reveals a fluctuating trend in criminal activities over the past decade. Notably, the years 2020 and 2021 saw a peak in crime rates, with averages of 0.71 and 0.80 per 1,000 students, respectively. This increase may reflect broader societal issues, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to heightened stress and potential increases in criminal behavior, including domestic violence and substance abuse.
Interestingly, the subsequent years, 2022 and 2023, reported no criminal incidents, suggesting a significant improvement in campus safety or underreporting of incidents. This decline could indicate the effectiveness of intervention measures or a general trend towards increased campus security.
The data for 2013, 2014, and other years shows sporadic incidents of gun arrests, drug-related crimes, and domestic violence. The sporadic nature of these crimes could point to specific external factors or isolated incidents rather than a systemic issue.
Overall, while the college has experienced some fluctuations in crime rates, the recent data suggests a positive trend toward reduced criminal activity. Maintaining a focus on safety and community well-being will be essential for continuing this trend. The comprehensive understanding of these statistics can aid in developing targeted strategies for crime prevention and enhancing campus safety measures. For more details on crime rate calculations, please visit: 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.