Trade and career programs at Northwest Shoals Community College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding | Certificate | 200 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Certificate | 74 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 67 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 66 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 33 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Heavy equipment mechanic | Associate degree | 29 | $78,775 | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Associate degree | 28 | $15,270 | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 25 | $50,827 | n/a | n/a |
| Carpentry | Certificate | 22 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 21 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 18 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 15 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 10 | $23,040 | $30,533 | n/a |
| Plumbing | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Northwest Shoals Community College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $5,551 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $11,890 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $4,245 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $3,106 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $2,157 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $4,201 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $8,318 |
| Over $110,000 | $11,113 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 38% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 69% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $38,083 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $8,000 in federal student loans.
- 25% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Northwest Shoals Community College cost?
Tuition and fees are $5,551 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $4,245 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Northwest Shoals Community College?
38% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do Northwest Shoals Community College graduates earn?
Heavy equipment mechanic associate degree graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $78,775 one year after finishing.
Is Northwest Shoals Community College accredited?
Northwest Shoals Community College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- John C Calhoun State Community College, Tanner: $5,540 a year
- Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette: $5,760 a year
- George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville, Hanceville: $5,640 a year
- Southern Union State Community College, Wadley: $5,460 a year
- Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden: $4,608 a year
- Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa: $5,520 a year
More: all trade schools in Alabama · Northwest Shoals Community College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.