Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville
Undergraduates
623
Student-faculty ratio 20:1
Graduation rate
68.0%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 68.0%
About
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville (TCAT-Shelbyville) is a prominent institution dedicated to providing high-quality vocational education and training. Located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, the college focuses on equipping students with practical skills necessary for various trades and technical careers. The college's mission emphasizes workforce development, aiming to meet the needs of local industries by preparing students for immediate employment upon graduation. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, TCAT-Shelbyville offers a range of programs in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology, ensuring that students gain relevant skills that are in demand in today’s job market.
The college prides itself on its experienced faculty, who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom. This strong faculty support is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the learning experience. Students benefit from modern labs and equipment that closely resemble real-world work environments, allowing them to practice and refine their skills effectively. Additionally, TCAT-Shelbyville fosters a supportive and collaborative campus culture, where students can engage in various extracurricular activities and connect with peers. The college also maintains strong ties with local businesses, which not only aids in student employment opportunities but also ensures that the curriculum remains relevant to industry needs. With its commitment to excellence in technical education, TCAT-Shelbyville continues to play a crucial role in shaping the workforce of the region.
Trends in Student Enrollment and Graduation Rates
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville has seen notable trends in student enrollment and graduation rates over the years. The number of undergraduate students fluctuated from 442 in 2013 to a peak of 562 in 2016, before settling at 550 in 2023. This indicates a general upward trend in enrollment, particularly notable in the mid-2010s. The ability of the institution to attract students is crucial, especially as higher education faces increasing competition and changing demographic trends.
However, the graduation rates present a different narrative. The timely graduation rate experienced a significant decline from about 80% in 2013 to a low of approximately 30% in 2019, which raises concerns about student retention and support services. After 2019, there was a recovery, with rates climbing back to nearly 69% in 2023. This rebound suggests that the college may have implemented effective strategies to improve student outcomes, but the earlier drop highlights the challenges faced by students in completing their programs.
Furthermore, the retention rate also reveals fluctuations, peaking at 100% in 2021, indicating that all students enrolled that year stayed for the academic period. This may reflect a response to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have prompted institutions to enhance their support systems to ensure student success.
In terms of gender distribution among undergraduates, there has been a consistent trend of a higher male representation, with male students making up about 81% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This gender disparity could have implications for program offerings and recruitment strategies, as the institution seeks to attract a more balanced student body.
Overall, while enrollment appears to be growing, the college must continue to focus on improving graduation and retention rates to ensure that students not only enroll but also successfully complete their education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Distant town
- Nearest major city
- Nashville, about 50 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 45 mi
- Academic calendar
- Continuous
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Jimmy Wright (President)
- Phone
- 9316855013
- City
- Shelbyville, Tennessee
- Address
- 1405 Madison St, Shelbyville, TN 37160
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Students
623 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 84:16 · Freshman retention 100.0%
- Continuing undergraduates 294
- First-year undergraduates 107
- Transfers and others 222
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (623)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville
The student composition at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of its enrolled students. The college has a significant population of undergraduate freshmen, numbering 103, with an impressive male representation of 86.4%. This suggests that a considerable majority of new students are male, reflecting a trend seen in many technical and vocational institutions, where male enrollment often exceeds that of females.
In contrast, the undergraduate seniors total 329, with males making up 75.7% of this group. This decrease in male representation compared to freshmen could indicate a shift in dynamics as students progress through their academic journeys, possibly due to varying retention rates or changes in interests. The relatively higher percentage of female students in this cohort (24.3%) may point to an evolving environment that is becoming more inclusive and supportive of women in technical fields.
Additionally, the data on the demographics of various subgroups, particularly the ethnic composition, provides further context. Unfortunately, the detailed breakdown for the undergraduate seniors is not available, but the freshmen's statistics indicate a promising diversity, with a notable number of white students among them.
These trends highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities in promoting gender and ethnic diversity in technical education. As institutions strive to attract a broader range of students, ongoing efforts to create inclusive environments will be essential for fostering a more balanced representation in future cohorts.
Age Composition of Students at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville
The age distribution at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville reveals interesting insights into the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of the students, approximately 75.5%, are under the age of 19, indicating a strong presence of younger individuals seeking vocational education right after high school. The traditional college age group (18-24) constitutes about 48.4% of the total male students, while females in the same age group represent approximately 22.9%.
The data shows that males dominate the undergraduate segment, especially in the under-18 category, where they account for about 91.2% of the students. This trend continues into the 18-19 age range, where the ratio of male to female students is approximately 9:1.
As the age increases, the number of students gradually declines, with only a small number of students aged 30 and above. This trend may reflect the nature of applied technology programs, which often attract younger learners eager to enter the workforce quickly.
Furthermore, the absence of graduate male and female students in the provided data suggests that the institution may primarily focus on undergraduate programs, catering to those looking for immediate employment opportunities rather than advanced studies. Overall, the student body at this institution appears to be predominantly young, indicating a vital role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers in Tennessee's workforce.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years
3 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville
The data from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville reveals a fluctuating pattern in the enrollment of international undergraduate students over a span of five years. In 2019, there was only one international student, which constituted a mere 0.23% of the total undergraduate population. This number saw a significant increase in 2020, rising to seven students, pushing the percentage to 1.45%. However, subsequent years presented a decline, with the proportion falling to 0.85% in 2021 and then to 1.27% in 2022. By 2023, the number of international students dropped again to four, representing just 0.73% of the total undergraduate enrollment.
This trend raises questions about the factors influencing international student recruitment at the institution. Several elements could be at play, including changes in visa policies, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the overall competitiveness of the college in attracting foreign students. As international education becomes increasingly vital for cultural exchange and economic growth, institutions must evaluate their strategies to enhance their appeal to a global audience.
Moreover, the data indicates a lack of graduate student enrollment figures, suggesting that the college might not have established a robust graduate program. This absence could limit the institution's ability to attract a more diverse student body, which is essential in today's interconnected world. Overall, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville may need to explore innovative approaches to boost international student enrollment and maintain a competitive edge.
Cost
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$22.8M
Expenses$7.9M
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
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The University of the SouthSewanee · 34.3 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Lipscomb UniversityNashville · 47.8 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Belmont UniversityNashville · 49.5 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Vanderbilt UniversityNashville · 50.4 mi
U.S. News #16
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 54.0 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville · 70.0 mi
U.S. News #299
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 138.5 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 141.3 mi
U.S. News #191
-
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville · 143.6 mi
U.S. News #109
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville:
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Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th in the 2024 US News rankings, Vanderbilt is a prestigious research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a strong liberal arts education.
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The University of the South - Known for its beautiful campus and commitment to liberal arts education, this university is ranked 51st. It provides a unique collegiate experience with a focus on character development and academic excellence.
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Lipscomb University - This university ranks 236th and is located in Nashville. It provides a Christian-based education and offers a variety of programs across numerous disciplines.
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Belmont University - Also situated in Nashville, Belmont ranks 236th and is known for its strong programs in music, business, and healthcare.
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University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142nd, UAB is recognized for its research contributions and strong health sciences programs, making it a key institution in Alabama.
These schools provide diverse educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville
The crime data from Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville for the years 2013 to 2023 reveals a commendable trend of zero recorded incidents across various categories, including gun arrests, drug arrests, alcohol arrests, domestic violence, and theft. This consistent absence of crime may indicate effective safety measures and a stable campus environment, fostering a sense of security among students and staff.
Despite the challenges many educational institutions face regarding campus safety, the data suggests that TCAT-Shelbyville has maintained a crime-free record. This can be attributed to several factors, such as proactive campus security policies, community engagement initiatives, and a strong emphasis on creating a supportive academic environment.
In a broader context, the lack of reported crimes is particularly noteworthy amid rising concerns about campus safety nationwide, where numerous institutions have reported increases in various criminal activities over the years. Such statistics underscore the importance of continuous vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining a safe learning environment.
Moreover, it is essential to recognize that while the absence of crime is a positive indicator, ongoing efforts are necessary to sustain this trend. Institutions must remain committed to fostering a culture of safety and support to ensure that students can focus on their education without fear of crime. This consistent data over the decade is a testament to the effectiveness of TCAT-Shelbyville's strategies in crime prevention and campus safety.
For more information on calculating crime rates, you can visit: Forward Pathway.
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.