# Northwest Shoals Community College

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-shoals-community-college

## Overview

- **Location:** Muscle Shoals, AL
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Southeast
- **Enrollment:** 1,969
- **Predominant Degree:** Certificate

Over 80% of students at Northwest Shoals Community College pay less than $3,000 a year for tuition and fees. This low net price makes education accessible for many in the Muscle Shoals area. With a focus on practical skills, the college emphasizes programs that lead directly to employment.

The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, while limited, indicates that community colleges like Northwest Shoals can significantly improve economic mobility. Graduates often find themselves earning around $33,828 ten years after enrolling, suggesting that students with a drive to succeed can enhance their financial prospects. The commitment to vocational and technical training can play a key role in this upward mobility.

Students who thrive here tend to be those seeking hands-on learning in fields like health professions and construction trades. With a graduation rate of 36%, it's crucial for students to engage fully and utilize available resources to finish their programs. A median debt of $10,000 is manageable for many, especially considering the potential earnings after graduation. The college serves as a stepping stone for those ready to enter the workforce or continue their education.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | N/A |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $5,131 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $9,001 |
| Average Net Price | $2,838 |
| Median Debt | $10,000 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 27% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 24% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $1,356 |
| $30K-$48K | $2,081 |
| $48K-$75K | $4,259 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $10,089 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 36% |
| Retention Rate | 69% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $31,469 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $32,116 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $33,828 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.3x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 175.77% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 877.9% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 2002.3% |
| Parent Median Income | $56,300 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Humanities | 23% |
| Precision Production | 18% |
| Health Professions | 18% |
| Mechanic & Repair Tech | 10% |
| Construction Trades | 8% |
| Culinary & Personal Services | 5% |
| Computer Science & IT | 4% |
| Business & Marketing | 2% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 2 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #2 in [Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-alabama)
- #34 in [Best Trade Schools](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-trade-schools)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Northwest Shoals Community College — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-shoals-community-college