Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College General Information
Overview
Calhoun Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year institution located in North Alabama, with its main campus near Decatur and multiple sites including Huntsville. The college serves a broad regional mission in the Alabama Community College System, offering accessible higher education and workforce training for traditional students, adult learners, and community members. Calhoun emphasizes both academic transfer pathways and career/technical programs, reflecting its dual focus: preparing students for employment and enabling seamless transitions to four-year institutions.
With over 100 associate degree and certificate options, the institution positions itself as a key driver of economic and workforce development in the region, notably supporting manufacturing, advanced technology, healthcare, and arts. Its strategic presence in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park and other sites further enhances opportunities for experiential learning and industry connections. As the largest two-year institution in Alabama, Calhoun underscores affordability, flexibility, and regional relevance in fulfilling its mission to support student success and community development. Calhoun Community College+2Calhoun Community College+2
Contact Informations
Address: One Seahawk Drive, North East/Decatur, Alabama (main campus in Decatur service area)
Phone Number: (256) 306-2500 (Main campus switchboard)
Email Address: admissions@calhoun.edu (Admissions and Records contact)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1946 (origin as State Technical School) Calhoun Community College+1 |
| Institution Type | Public, two-year community/technical college Calhoun Community College+1 |
| Accreditation | Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees Calhoun Community College+1 |
| Enrollment (credit students) | Approximately 10,000 credit students in recent term Calhoun Community College+1 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio Estimate | ~20:1 based on last reported data College Factual |
| Service Region | Multi-county North Alabama (Decatur, Huntsville, surrounding counties) Calhoun Community College+1 |
Calhoun Community College Rankings
| Metric / Category | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admissions policy) Niche+1 |
| Graduation / Transfer Rate | Approx. 50% (reported in student reviews) Niche+1 |
| National Recognition | Recognized among “Top 150 Community Colleges” by the Aspen Institute Calhoun Community College |
Calhoun Community College Academics
Calhoun Community College Faculties / Departments
- Applied Technologies & Industrial Trades Department
- Health Sciences & Nursing Department
- Business, Marketing & Logistics Department
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Department
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Department
- General Education & Transfer Studies Department
- Workforce Development & Adult Education Department
Calhoun Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Science (AS) in Liberal Arts & Sciences (transfer focus)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing (RN)
- Certificates in Welding, Mechatronics, Cybersecurity, HVAC
- Non-credit workforce training programs (short-term)
- Transfer pathway programs partnering with four-year universities
Online Learning
Calhoun offers a mix of traditional, hybrid, and fully online course offerings, allowing students to complete general education or theory components remotely while lab or clinical work is conducted in-person. The institution has adapted to flexible delivery by offering accelerated mini-sessions and hybrid formats, supporting varied student schedules and non-traditional learners. Calhoun Community College
Average Test Scores
| Test / Assessment | Requirement or Status |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not required for general admission (open admissions) |
| Placement Assessments | Some students may be placed in remedial or developmental courses based on assessments |
| Program Entrance Screens | Some selective programs may have additional prerequisites or screening |
Retention and Graduation Rates
According to institutional data, Calhoun has strong regional transfer outcomes and workforce credentials. The first-to-second year retention rate is around the mid-60% range. College Factual+1 The graduation/transfer rate has been reported at approximately 50% for certain cohorts. Niche+1
Calhoun Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Calhoun Community College practices an open admissions policy. This means that there are no strict minimum GPA or SAT/ACT score requirements for most applicants. Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent and may need to meet placement assessment requirements depending on program: Niche+1
Calhoun Community College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (qualified applicants are admitted) College Factual+1 |
Calhoun Community College Application Requirements
Applicants must complete and submit a college application, provide official high school transcript or GED certification, and attend admissions orientation or advising. For certain specialized programs (e.g., health sciences, nursing), additional documentation like immunization, background checks, or program-specific prerequisites may be required. The process is streamlined and designed to support entry for a wide range of learners.
Application Process
- Complete the online (or paper) application form for Calhoun Community College
- Submit proof of high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Take placement assessments if required for your program
- Meet with an academic advisor to select your program, schedule classes, and develop a plan
- Attend orientation, register for classes, and pay applicable fees
Calhoun Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline / Start |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Registration opens early summer; see admissions calendar |
| Spring Semester | Registration opens late fall/early winter |
| Mini-sessions / Summer | Various start dates and rolling registration options Calhoun Community College |
Essay Prompt
No essay is required for general admission at Calhoun Community College under its open admissions policy. Specific programs may request statements of intent or interviews.
Calhoun Community College Scholarships
Calhoun offers a variety of scholarship opportunities including institutional, state, and federal grants. Students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid via FAFSA, and scholarship applications are available for academic merit, workforce training, and special populations.
Calhoun Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Estimated Cost / Net Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Estimated Net Price (after aid) | Approximately $7,004 average for undergraduates MeetYourClass+1 |
| Additional Costs | Books, materials, program-specific fees, supplies |
Calhoun Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
At Calhoun Community College, the undergraduate student population is approximately 54% women and 46% men. College Factual+1 Racial/ethnic composition includes about 61% White, 15% African American, 11% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and smaller percentages representing Native American and multiracial students. Niche+1 Students range widely in age: about 28% are 18-19 years old, 17% are 20-21, 13% are 22-24, and 26% are over age 25. Niche
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of Calhoun students come from lower-income households, with about 43% reporting household income under $30,000 annually. Niche The college provides disability services and accommodations for students with documented needs, in line with federal law and institutional policy.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Credit Students | ~10,000 students Calhoun Community College+1 |
| Female | ~54% College Factual+1 |
| Male | ~46% College Factual+1 |
University Diversity
Calhoun Community College serves a diverse student body and intentionally fosters inclusion and equity. The institution draws learners of varying ages—recent high school graduates alongside adult students—and a range of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The diversity enriches classroom dynamics and prepares students to work in varied professional environments. Calhoun’s commitment to closing achievement gaps and supporting underrepresented learners through strategies from the Achieving the Dream network underscores its institutional focus on equity. Calhoun Community College
Average Earnings
Graduates with credentials from Calhoun Community College benefit from entry into in-demand fields with competitive wages. While specific average earnings vary by program and industry, the college notes that its graduates earn on average about $11,300 more per year compared to high school diploma holders in the region. Calhoun Community College Over time, students who transfer to four-year programs or who gain industry certifications in manufacturing, health, or technology may see even higher earnings.
Calhoun Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Calhoun employs full-time and adjunct faculty across its many programs, along with staff in student services, admissions, advising, athletics, and workforce development. Institutional data reports about 754 employees across locations. Calhoun Community College+1
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Calhoun are expected to hold appropriate credentials for their disciplines—many have master’s or doctoral degrees, especially in liberal arts or STEM fields. In technical and workforce programs, instructors frequently have industry experience and certifications, ensuring practical relevance in teaching. Their expertise supports the college’s ability to align curriculum with employer needs and provide current, applied learning.
Calhoun Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
While primarily a commuter institution serving its regional population, Calhoun Community College is enhancing campus life with amenities like a student union building, modern labs, and upcoming residence hall partnerships in the Alabama Center for the Arts. Calhoun Community College+1 Student life includes athletics (Warhawk teams), clubs, organizations, and cultural events. Though on-campus residential housing is not widely available, the college’s emphasis on student engagement and facilities improvements underscores its commitment to the campus experience.
Transportation
Calhoun’s main campus is located along U.S. Highway 31 in Decatur/Tanner and is accessible via regional roadways. The Huntsville/Cummings Research Park campus offers additional access for students in the greater metro area. As most students commute, on-campus parking and scheduling flexibility (evening classes, mini-sessions) support mobility and work-study balance. Calhoun Community College