Shelton State  Community College Ranked 22nd Nationally

Tuscaloosa – According to a report issued in the December 4, 2006 issue of “Community College Week,” Shelton State Community College ranked 22nd in growth nationally of the top 50 two year schools with enrollment between 5,000 and 9,999 students.

The report was based on enrollment data between Fall 2004 and Fall 2005, the two most recent years available through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Specifically, Shelton State Community College had enrollment growth of 5.7% for the period surveyed with 5445 students registered in Fall 2004 and 5774 students in Fall 2005.  Shelton State was the only Alabama school ranked in its category.

 “Typically, we enroll between 5,000 – 6,000 credit hour students and an additional 2,000 – 3,000 non-credit hour students annually,” said Leigh Hays, Director of Marketing and Communications for Shelton State.  “Our student population is a mixture of traditional students who are right out of high school and non-traditional students who are adults ranging from 24 plus-years-old.  As a whole, the non-traditional student population is growing as many adults are finding the need to enhance their education to remain competitive in the workforce, change careers or adapt to life changes.  What’s really magical is that Shelton State has everything both student populations need to be successful; quality education, an affordable tuition rate, and flexible scheduling; at two conveniently accessible locations.  And, most of our adult students go from Shelton State directly into the workforce which not only benefits the individual but West Alabama as a whole.”

Tommy Taylor, Dean of Student Services for Shelton State Community College said, "Shelton State has long set its sights on becoming one of the Top 25 Community Colleges in the nation and our enrollment increase is an integral part of this comprehensive process.  Our faculty and staff are adamant in their continual pursuit of excellence.  We are very proud of this recognition and look forward to providing students of all ages an accessible, high quality education for many years to come.”

The full summary of the report is available online at www.ccweek.com.