Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Northwest Shoals Community College
Set in the heart of Muscle Shoals, where American music found its groove, Northwest Shoals Community College has a reputation for hands-on learning and clear academic pathways. Students build strong foundations in liberal arts, health sciences, skilled trades, business, and information technology. The Muscle Shoals campus features well-equipped labs, a welcoming library and learning commons, tutoring and advising, plus student services that support veterans, accessibility needs, and college affordability.
Campus life leans friendly and practical. You'll find clubs, honor groups, and low-key intramurals, along with plenty of riverfront escapes and a local music scene that adds color after class. The culture is down-to-earth and student first. Career preparation shows up in resume help, interview practice, and employer connections across regional industry and health care. Students often tap local workplaces for part-time roles and practicum experiences. As part of a two-campus college, resources travel well, and the school is known for smooth transfer routes and flexible, real-world minded study.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) offers 27 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,158 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 266 graduates), Production (3 programs, 208 graduates), Health (6 programs, 204 graduates), Mechanics (2 programs, 121 graduates) and Construction (2 programs, 88 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 266 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 259 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
24.0102 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 7 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Production (3 programs, 208 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 197 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
| Cabinetmaking and Millwork | 8 |
|
Other Award
|
48.0703 |
| Machine Shop Technology | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
48.0503 |
Health (6 programs, 204 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 67 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Registered Nursing | 66 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 26 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Medical Assistant | 25 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0801 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0910 |
| Radiologic Technology | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
Mechanics (2 programs, 121 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology | 103 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0303 |
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
Construction (2 programs, 88 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 66 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
46.0302 |
| Carpentry | 22 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
46.0201 |
Eng. Technologies (3 programs, 77 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC Engineering Technology | 65 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
15.0501 |
| Drafting and Design Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1301 |
| Water Quality and Wastewater Management Technology | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0506 |
Personal Services (2 programs, 61 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salon and Beauty Management | 58 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12.0412 |
| Cosmetology | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
12.0401 |
Computer & IT (1 programs, 41 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 41 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0101 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 37 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 37 |
|
Associate's
|
30.9999 |
Business (2 programs, 26 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant Science | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0401 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC)
How much does it cost to attend Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC)?
The annual tuition at Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) is $5,071 for in-state students and $8,881 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $6,671 for in-state students and $10,481 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $9,336 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,600.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Northwest Shoals Community College offer?
Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) offers 27 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (3 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (2 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Northwest Shoals Community College?
Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) provides financial aid to 11% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,959 and average loans of $3,099.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $7,135
- State/Local grants: $564
- Institutional grants: $3,204
- Federal loans: $3,099
The university supports 356 students with grants and 249 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Northwest Shoals Community College graduates?
Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) graduates earn a median salary of $31,469 after 6 years and $33,828 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,252 (25th percentile) to $51,875 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $59,300 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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