Coastal Alabama Community College is a large public community college system in southern Alabama that focuses on affordable education, workforce training, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. It offers associate degrees and certificates across multiple campuses, with strong programs in healthcare, technical trades, aviation, business, and general education. The college is designed to serve a wide range of students, including recent high school graduates, working adults, and career changers, with flexible options such as online, hybrid, and evening classes.
Students generally appreciate Coastal Alabama for its affordability, accessibility, and supportive instructors, especially in smaller class settings where it is easier to get help and stay engaged. The college also has a reputation for being practical and career-focused, helping many students either enter the workforce quickly or transfer to universities. However, experiences can vary by campus and program, and some students note issues such as inconsistent course availability or differences in teaching quality between departments. Campus life is present but not as active as at larger universities, and many students commute or study part-time. Overall, Coastal Alabama Community College is a solid option for students seeking a low-cost, flexible, and career-oriented start to higher education or a pathway to a four-year degree.
Tuition Fees
Estimated Tuition Fees for Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students. (Beginning students are those who are entering postsecondary education for the first time.)
Estimated expenses for academic year
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
2024-2025
% change 2023-2024 to 2024-2025
Tuition and fees
In-state
$4,860
$4,920
$4,980
$5,040
1.2%
Out-of-state
$8,850
$8,670
$8,790
$8,910
1.4%
Books and supplies
$1,500
$1,750
$2,750
$2,750
0.0%
Living arrangement
On Campus
Food and Housing
$5,900
$5,800
$10,850
$10,850
0.0%
Other expenses
$4,407
$5,250
$7,350
$7,350
0.0%
Off Campus
Food and Housing
$6,215
$6,600
$8,025
$8,025
0.0%
Other expenses
$4,507
$5,250
$7,350
$7,350
0.0%
Off Campus with Family
Food and Housing
–
–
–
$8,025
–
Other expenses
$4,407
$4,500
$7,350
$7,350
0.0%
Total Expenses
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
2024-2025
% change 2023-2024 to 2024-2025
In-state
On Campus
$16,667
$17,720
$25,930
$25,990
0.2%
Off Campus
$17,082
$18,520
$23,105
$23,165
0.3%
Off Campus with Family
$10,767
$11,170
$15,080
$15,140
0.4%
Out-of-state
On Campus
$20,657
$21,470
$29,740
$29,860
0.4%
Off Campus
$21,072
$22,270
$26,915
$27,035
0.4%
Off Campus with Family
$14,757
$14,920
$18,890
$19,010
0.6%
Financial Aid
Financial Aid for Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students. Beginning students are those who are entering postsecondary education for the first time.
Type of Aid
Number awarded aid
Percent awarded aid
Total amount of aid awarded
Average amount of aid awarded
Any student financial aid1
1,075
89%
——
——
Grant or scholarship aid
879
73%
$7,842,080
$8,922
Federal grants
669
55%
$4,339,610
$6,487
Pell grants
669
55%
$4,215,110
$6,301
Other federal grants
140
12%
$124,500
$889
State/local government grant or scholarships
173
14%
$156,330
$904
Institutional grants or scholarships
622
51%
$3,346,140
$5,380
Student loan aid
987
82%
$1,974,809
$2,001
Federal student loans
986
81%
$1,937,316
$1,965
Other student loans
6
0%
$37,493
$6,249
1 Includes students awarded Federal work study aid and aid from other sources not listed above.
Financial Aid for All Undergraduate Students
Type of Aid
Number awarded aid
Percent awarded aid
Total amount of aid awarded
Average amount of aid awarded
Degree/certificate-seeking
Grant or scholarship aid1
3,590
76%
$26,273,690
$7,319
Pell grants
2,407
51%
$12,310,906
$5,115
Federal student loans
3,354
71%
$9,705,992
$2,894
Non-degree/non-certificate-seeking
Grant or scholarship aid1
1,053
51%
$7,436,321
$7,062
1 Grant or scholarship aid includes aid awarded, from the federal government, state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
Net Price
Full-time beginning undergraduate students who paid the in-state or in-district tuition rate and were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
Average net price
$7,938
$8,600
$13,306
Full-time beginning undergraduate students who paid the in-state or in-district tuition rate and were awarded Title IV aid by income.
Average net price by Income
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
$0 – $30,000
$5,700
$7,037
$11,916
$30,001 – $48,000
$6,405
$8,468
$11,904
$48,001 – $75,000
$8,905
$11,551
$15,603
$75,001 – $110,000
$12,032
$13,166
$17,856
$110,001 and more
$11,706
$12,983
$19,588
Enrollment
Category
Detail
Value
Notes
Enrollment
Total Undergraduate
7,553
Large community college system
Transfer
Transfer-in Enrollment
437
Moderate transfer activity
Attendance
Full-time / Part-time
36% / 64%
Majority part-time students
Gender
Male / Female
40% / 60%
Female majority
Age
24 and under / 25+
81% / 19%
Mostly traditional-age students
Residence
In-state / Out-of-state
88% / 8%
Primarily in-state
Distance Education
Exclusively online
31%
Significant online presence
Distance Education
Some online courses
29%
Hybrid learning common
Distance Education
No online courses
40%
Many still fully in-person
Race/Ethnicity
White
64%
Largest group
Race/Ethnicity
Black / African American
22%
Significant minority
Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic / Latino
5%
Small but present
Race/Ethnicity
Two or more races
6%
Small group
Race/Ethnicity
Asian
1%
Very small
Race/Ethnicity
American Indian
1%
Very small
Admissions
This institution has an open admission policy. Contact the institution for more information.
Programs/Majors
Completions are the number of awards conferred by program and award level.
Program
12 week to <1 year Certificate
1 to <2 year Certificate
Associate
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
–
–
7
Category total
–
–
7
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General
5
–
15
Business Administration and Management, General
11
–
43
Hospitality Administration/Management, General
5
2
14
Category total
21
2
72
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
1
–
6
Category total
1
–
6
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences, General
5
–
6
Category total
5
–
6
Construction Trades
Mason/Masonry
0
0
–
Pipefitting/Pipefitter and Sprinkler Fitter
3
–
–
Category total
3
0
–
Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other
