Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Northwest Shoals Community College

Muscle Shoals, AL

Total Enrollment

7,681

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

32

32 career programs

Full-Time Students

3,730

7,681 part-time

Total FTE

2,154

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
7,681
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 32
High diversity
~240 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Northwest Shoals Community College operates as a large trade college with 7,681 students across 32 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 7,681 students, Northwest Shoals Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 32 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,730 (32.7%)
32.7%
Part-Time Students 7,681 (67.3%)
67.3%
Total Students 11,411

Majority part-time students (67.3%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (48.6%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
55.6%
4,267 students
Men
44.4%
3,414 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
74.6%
5,732 students
White
74.6% (5,732)
Hispanic/Latino
9.9% (759)
Black/African American
7.9% (605)
Two or More Races
5.1% (388)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.7% (57)
Asian
0.7% (54)
International Students
0.2% (18)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (11)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 7,681 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 75% of the student body (5,732 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

11,411 students

45% Men, 55% Women
3,730 Full-time
Diversity Index: 42% • Minority Students: 19%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

936
All full-time students
423 men, 513 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

936
Full-time undergraduate
423 men, 513 women
Diversity: 41%

FT Degree-Seeking

929
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
420 men, 509 women
Diversity: 41%

FT First-Time

441
Full-time first-time students
196 men, 245 women
Diversity: 38%

FT Continuing

488
Full-time continuing students
224 men, 264 women
Diversity: 42%

Part-Time Students

All Students

4,136
All students total
1,831 men, 2,305 women
Diversity: 42%

Transfer

112
Transfer-in students
34 men, 78 women
Diversity: 42%

Continuing

1,221
Continuing students
425 men, 796 women
Diversity: 43%

Non-Degree

2,212
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,124 men, 1,088 women
Diversity: 42%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

8,562
White
937
Black/African American
1,103
Hispanic/Latino
66
Asian
30
International
Diversity Index: 42% Minority Students: 19%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Northwest Shoals Community College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Northwest Shoals Community College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 7,681 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
• Academic Intensity: 2,154 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

2563315200

Address

800 George Wallace Blvd

Muscle Shoals, AL 35661

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials