Northwest Shoals Community College
About Northwest Shoals Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northwest Shoals Community College teaches in Muscle Shoals, the small Alabama town whose recording studios changed American music. Nursing is among its largest programs.
Founded
1993
Location
Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Students
1,969
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
38.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,131
Out-of-state: $9,001
Avg Net Price
$2,838
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$33,828
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
38.7% complete their degree within three years
Retention
68.9%
Transfer Out
13%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
37.6%
$/Student
$6.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 38.7% graduation rate is below average, but 68.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,131
In-State
$9,001
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,600
Total Cost of Attendance
$11,340
After Financial Aid
$2,838
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$1,356
Receive Grants
26.7%
Take Loans
24.3%
Tuition is $5,131/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $2,838.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northwest Shoals Community College fund their education.
While in School
26.7%
Get Grants
Free money
24.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$21,195
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$106/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northwest Shoals Community College.
Gender
64.9%
Female
35%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,969
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
51.4%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
12.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 65% of the student body. 51.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
1,969
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northwest Shoals Community College fields 3 varsity teams with 66 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division I
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
3
Biggest: Baseball
Student Athletes
66
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
52% / 48%
34
Men
32
Women
2
Men's Teams
2
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northwest Shoals Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$33,828
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$20K
128 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$56K
66 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$36K
43 grads
1yr Earnings
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
—
25 grads
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
—
19 grads
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
—
17 grads
Median earnings are $34K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northwest Shoals Community College
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.