Motlow State Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$17,722
In-state $4,738
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
5,980
Student-faculty ratio 22:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
28.7%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 31.8%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Motlow State Community College (MSCC), located in Tennessee, is known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1969, the college has evolved into a vital educational institution serving a diverse student population. MSCC offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees and technical certificates, designed to prepare students for successful careers or further education. The college also emphasizes workforce development, collaborating with local industries to equip students with the skills needed in the job market.
In addition to its academic offerings, Motlow State Community College prides itself on its vibrant campus culture and student life. The college encourages involvement through various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, promoting a well-rounded college experience. The Motlow Bucks, the college's athletic teams, compete in the NJCAA, providing students with opportunities to engage in sports while balancing their academic pursuits. The college's motto, "Success Happens Here," reflects its dedication to student achievement, and MSCC continues to be a stepping stone for many students as they transition to four-year institutions or enter the workforce.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Motlow State Community College
Motlow State Community College has demonstrated noteworthy trends in several critical metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates. The increase in tuition for in-state students has been consistent, rising from approximately $3,888 in 2014 to $4,536 in 2024, marking a substantial growth of about 16.7% over a decade. For out-of-state students, the tuition has seen an even steeper increase, going from $14,328 to $17,736, which is an increase of around 23.5%. This trend reflects broader national concerns regarding rising education costs and may influence prospective students' decision-making processes.
Student enrollment numbers have also varied significantly, peaking at 6,594 in 2018 before declining to 5,636 by 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including demographic shifts, economic conditions, or the availability of online education alternatives. This trend is concerning as it directly impacts the college's funding and resources, potentially leading to a reduced academic experience for remaining students.
Furthermore, the graduation rates have shown a positive trajectory, with the on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rising from 15.1% in 2013 to 23.7% in 2023. This increase of over 8.6 percentage points indicates a growing commitment to student success and retention strategies, which may counterbalance the decline in enrollment numbers.
Retention rates have fluctuated, peaking at 60.7% in 2016 but dipping to 51.6% in 2022 before slightly recovering to 51.6% in 2023. This inconsistency highlights the challenges the institution faces in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction, which is crucial for improving graduation rates further.
In conclusion, while Motlow State Community College faces challenges with rising tuition and fluctuating enrollment figures, the positive trend in graduation rates indicates a potential for ongoing improvement in student outcomes. Addressing retention issues and continuing to offer quality education will be essential for the college's future success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Huntsville, about 50 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 60 mi
- Also known as
- Motlow, Motlow College, MSCC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Michael Torrence (President)
- Phone
- 9313931500
- Address
- 6015 Ledford Mill Road, Tullahoma, TN 37388
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Motlow State Community College
The graduation data from Motlow State Community College in 2023 reveals some noteworthy trends, particularly in the realm of associate degrees. The most significant number of graduates is seen in the field of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 730 students earning their associate degree. This indicates a strong interest in liberal arts education, which often serves as a foundation for further academic pursuits or diverse career paths.
In contrast, technical fields such as Electromechanical Engineering Technology and registered nursing show a good number of graduates as well, with 40 and 42 graduates respectively. This reflects a growing demand for skilled professionals in these areas, particularly in the healthcare sector, which has been underscored by the ongoing global health challenges.
Interestingly, there are no international students graduating from any of the programs across all degree levels, which could highlight a potential area for growth for the college. Attracting international students could enrich the educational environment and enhance the cultural diversity of the campus.
Moreover, the data shows that there are no bachelor, master, or doctorate degree graduates for any of the programs listed, suggesting that the college primarily focuses on associate degrees. This could be a strategic emphasis, as community colleges often cater to students seeking to enter the workforce quickly or those who plan to transfer to four-year institutions.
Overall, while the data presents a solid foundation in associate degree programs, the absence of higher degree graduates signals an opportunity for Motlow State Community College to expand its offerings and attract a broader student population, including 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. | $33,295 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $46,662 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $75,441 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $38,115 | |
| Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician. | $53,399 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development. | - |
Students
5,980 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 55.4%
- Continuing undergraduates 2,225
- First-year undergraduates 1,388
- Transfers and others 2,367
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (5,980)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Composition at Motlow State Community College in 2023
In 2023, Motlow State Community College showcases a diverse student body, with a total of 5,636 enrolled students across various classifications. Among these, the largest group consists of undergraduate freshmen, numbering 1,576, representing 28% of the total student population. This group exhibits a gender ratio of approximately 39.5% male and 60.5% female, indicating a significant presence of female students in the freshman cohort.
The undergraduate juniors follow closely with 2,127 students, making up about 38% of the total. This group also reflects a higher percentage of female students (63.8%) compared to males (36.2%). Meanwhile, undergraduate transfer students account for 344 individuals, with a gender distribution of 41.6% male and 58.4% female, continuing the trend of more female students in higher education.
Interestingly, the total number of graduate students is recorded at 1,589, comprising about 28% of the overall student body, with a gender ratio of 34.8% male and 65.2% female. This consistent pattern across all categories suggests an increasing trend of female enrollment in higher education, which has been observed nationally in recent years.
Additionally, the diversity among students is enriched by representation from various ethnic backgrounds, although specific numbers for these subdivisions were not disclosed for all classifications. This demographic information is crucial for understanding the educational landscape at Motlow State Community College and reflects broader societal trends in college enrollment and gender representation.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Motlow State Community College
The age distribution of students at Motlow State Community College offers insightful reflections on the demographics of higher education. A significant portion of the student body, especially in the under 18 and 18-19 age categories, consists of traditional college-age students, with 522 males and 1,033 females under 18, and 813 males with 1,183 females aged 18-19. These figures indicate that the college effectively attracts younger students, which aligns with national trends where younger demographics are increasingly enrolling in community colleges.
As we analyze older age brackets, we see a notable decline in enrollment. For instance, only 272 males and 303 females fall within the 20-21 age range, and the numbers further dwindle in subsequent categories, with just 30 males and 58 females aged 50-64. This pattern reflects a common phenomenon in higher education, where enrollment tends to drop as the age of students increases.
The data also highlights the absence of graduate-level male students and the lack of graduate-level female students, suggesting a potential area for program development aimed at older students seeking advanced degrees. The overall trend indicates that community colleges like Motlow State are predominantly catering to younger, traditional students, while older learners may require more tailored support and resources to engage in higher education.
This demographic overview not only sheds light on the current state of student enrollment but also points to opportunities for the college to expand its outreach and support initiatives for non-traditional and older adult learners.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
95 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Motlow State Community College
The data on international student enrollment at Motlow State Community College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international students has varied significantly, with a notable decrease in representation from 2004's 0.35% to a low of 0.11% in 2009. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including economic conditions and changes in immigration policies that may have influenced students' choices to study abroad.
However, the years following 2009 saw a gradual increase in the percentage of international students, peaking at 0.39% in 2014. This resurgence may reflect a growing interest in community colleges as affordable and accessible pathways for international students seeking higher education in the United States. The data indicates that by 2021, the percentage had stabilized around 0.23%, suggesting a potential trend towards normalization after significant fluctuations.
Interestingly, despite the ups and downs in enrollment percentages, the total number of undergraduate students at the college has generally increased over the years. This indicates that while the absolute number of international students may vary, the overall growth in student enrollment at Motlow State suggests a robust academic environment that may still attract international students, albeit in smaller proportions relative to the total student body.
In conclusion, while the representation of international students at Motlow State Community College has experienced significant variability, the overall trend points towards a gradual stabilization. Future initiatives aimed at enhancing the international student experience could further improve these numbers, especially in a post-pandemic world where global mobility is being redefined.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$31,989
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $17,722
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,738
- Room and board
- $14,267
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 51% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 296%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$62.1M
Expenses$54.0M
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 | 32 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 8 |
| Soccer | - | 20 |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Basketball | 18 | 11 |
| Soccer | - | 24 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Soccer | - | 23 |
| Basketball | 16 | 6 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
The University of the SouthSewanee · 24.1 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 48.3 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Lipscomb UniversityNashville · 58.4 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Belmont UniversityNashville · 60.0 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville · 60.9 mi
U.S. News #16
-
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville · 71.5 mi
U.S. News #299
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 131.7 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 134.4 mi
U.S. News #191
-
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville · 139.3 mi
U.S. News #109
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Motlow State Community College:
-
Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th in the 2024 US News rankings, Vanderbilt is a prestigious private research university known for its strong programs in education, law, medicine, and business.
-
Emory University - With a ranking of 24, Emory is a private research university recognized for its health sciences, law, and business programs, offering a vibrant campus life.
-
The University of the South - A liberal arts college ranked 51st, it is known for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on undergraduate education in the liberal arts.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Ranked 33rd, Georgia Tech is a leading public research university known for its engineering and technology programs, providing rigorous academic training.
-
The University of Alabama at Birmingham - This university holds a rank of 142 and is well-regarded for its medical and health-related programs, contributing significantly to research and healthcare.
These institutions not only offer excellent educational opportunities but also enrich the academic environment in the region.
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 Motlow State Community College
The crime statistics from Motlow State Community College over the years indicate a commendable trend towards safety on campus. From 2013 to 2022, the college reported an overall absence of recorded crimes, reflecting a secure environment for students. It wasn't until 2018 that a minor spike was noted, with a crime rate of 0.49 incidents per 1,000 students, mainly attributed to a few arrests related to drug use and possession.
In 2019, the crime rate significantly decreased to 0.15 per 1,000 students, demonstrating effective measures taken by the college to foster a safe academic atmosphere. The years following 2019 saw a return to zero reported incidents, indicating that the college’s initiatives may have had a positive impact. However, the slight increase in 2023, with a crime rate of 0.18 per 1,000, suggests the need for continual vigilance and proactive strategies to maintain safety.
It’s important to contextualize these statistics within broader trends in campus safety across the United States, where many colleges have been striving to reduce crime through programs focused on awareness and prevention. The data at Motlow State Community College showcases an effective approach, as the low crime rates are significantly below national averages for higher education institutions.
Continued monitoring and community engagement will be essential to uphold this positive trend in safety. The college community should remain committed to creating a supportive environment, ensuring that students can focus on their education without the concern of crime impacting their college experience. For further details on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
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.