Jefferson State Community College (JSCC, Jeff State, JSCC) Introduction and History

Introduction

Jefferson State Community College, known as Jeff State to students and members of the community, is a public two-year college in the Alabama Community College system. The school offers a variety of career and technical programs as well as two-year associate degrees. Students may also pursue over 100 university transfer programs, which offer the ability to take classes at a substantial savings before completing a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.

Classes are offered online and at four physical campuses:

Jefferson Campus in Birmingham in Jefferson County
Shelby-Hoover Campus in Birmingham in Shelby County
St. Clair-Pell City Campus in Pell City
Chilton-Clanton Campus in Clanton

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Information Summary

Ranks 50th in Alabama and 2992nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	51.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,990
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	57% / 42%
Enrollment Total (all students)	9,078

History

Founded in 1963 as Jefferson State Junior College, the institution received its current name in 1989.

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Academics

Jeff State offers numerous career and professional certificate programs, ranging from coursework in accounting and finance to public service training for future law enforcement officers and fire service professionals. Nursing and other health professions, information technology training, and various business programs are also popular among students who wish to enter the workforce before earning a bachelor’s degree.

Other courses of study include anthropology, biology, chemistry, biomedical equipment technology, child development education, communications, criminal justice, culinary arts, interior design, landscape technology, and funeral service education.

The transfer / general studies division provides core courses for students who intend to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Non-Credit Courses

The college also offers a variety of classes that are not for college credit. These include college prep courses, GED prep classes, and continuing education courses for professionals who require training to keep or renew professional licenses.

Admission to the college is not required to take classes that are non-credit.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Admissions

Prospective students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Official copies of all high school transcripts and/or GED scores must mailed directly to the college.

Placement tests such as COMPASS or similar exams are required in some instances to ensure enrollment in appropriate classes.

The school has rolling admissions deadlines, yet students are advised to submit their materials well in advance of their desired start date.

Financial Aid

Although community college is considered a more affordable alternative to pricier four-year institutions, financial aid is available for students who qualify in the form of grants, loans, college work study programs, and need- and merit-based scholarships. To determine eligibility for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid will not pay for classes that are unrelated to a student’s declared major.

As many types of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, all students are advised to complete the FAFSA and submit any financial aid paperwork that is deemed necessary prior to May 1 receive priority consideration. Students must also prove Alabama residency in order to qualify for in-state tuition and scholarships.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6407th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Alabama.

Students

With a large number of full-time students, the school offers a full slate of activities and organizations that make campus life lively and vibrant. Popular clubs and groups include the African-American Society , the Jefferson State Ambassadors, the Art and Animation Guild, the Association of Clinical Laboratory Technician Students, Campus Ministries, several honor societies, and student government.

Most students attending the school are in the traditional post-high school age bracket, although adult attendance is higher in the professional certificate programs. The school offers no on-campus housing, but there are many nearby housing facilities targeted towards students in the greater Birmingham area.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Accreditation

Jefferson State Community College is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, one of six regional accrediting organizations.

Jefferson State Community College