What programs are offered and at what credential level?

The school offers certificates in Cosmetology, Carpentry, Electrical and Power Transmission Installation, Plumbing, Vehicle Maintenance, Precision Metal Working, and Allied Health. It also offers an associate degree in Cosmetology and 24 additional programs beyond these core trades.

How much do graduates of a specific program typically earn?

Reported median earnings 10 years after entry for graduates are $33,828. This figure represents typical earnings across the school's programs.

How many students finish their program?

The completion rate is reported at 37.2%. For public community colleges, lower rates can sometimes indicate students transferring to four-year schools rather than failing to graduate.

Is the school public or private?

Northwest Shoals Community College is a public school located in Muscle Shoals, AL.

What is the typical student debt compared to the yearly net price?

The average annual net price after aid is $2,838, while the median student debt at completion is $10,000. Comparing total debt to the annual net price requires looking at the number of years attended to make an accurate assessment.

Home › Alabama › Welding schools › Northwest Shoals Community College

Northwest Shoals Community College

Muscle Shoals, Alabama · public · mainly awards certificates · 1,969 students · WeldingMachining & CNCElectricianElectrical LinemanPlumbingDiesel MechanicsAutomotive TechnologyAviation MaintenanceMedical AssistingPractical Nursing (LPN/LVN)CosmetologyBarberingEMT & ParamedicRadiologic TechnologyCarpentry

Avg net price / yr

$2,838

cheaper than 93% of comparable schools

Completion rate

37.2%

Median debt at completion

$10,000

Median earnings (10 yrs after entry)

$33,828

earns ~$11,919.7 per $1k of yearly net price

About

Northwest Shoals Community College is a public school in Muscle Shoals, AL that mainly awards certificates. With 1,969 students and a typical annual net price of $2,838, it serves residents seeking trade training.

What to know

About 26.7% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median student debt at completion is reported at $10,000. The school's completion rate is 37.2%, which may reflect students transferring out rather than dropping out. Typical earnings for graduates 10 years after entry are reported at $33,828.

Net price is 54% below the Alabama median ($6,142) for schools offering these programs. Reported median earnings are 12% below the national median ($38,354) for comparable schools.

See what aid you may qualify for

26.7% of students here receive federal Pell Grants. Get aid deadlines and program matches for Welding programs in Alabama.

We may share your info with matched school and program partners so they can contact you about enrollment. Unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy & editorial policy.

Programs & what graduates earn

Program	Credential	Median earnings 2 yrs after completion
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services	associate degree	not reported
Carpenters	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Precision Metal Working	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services	associate degree	not reported
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions	associate degree	not reported
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants	undergraduate certificate	not reported

Show all 20 other programs at this school

Program	Credential	Median earnings (2 yr after completion)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	associate degree	$43,922
Computer and Information Sciences, General	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Computer and Information Sciences, General	associate degree	not reported
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians	associate degree	not reported
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians	associate degree	not reported
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services	associate degree	not reported
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities	associate degree	not reported
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other	associate degree	not reported
Criminal Justice and Corrections	associate degree	not reported
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians	associate degree	not reported
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians	associate degree	not reported
Woodworking	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Accounting and Related Services	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services	undergraduate certificate	not reported
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services	associate degree	not reported

Get paid while you train instead

Registered apprenticeships are an alternative to paying for school — sponsors pay wages from day one. In Alabama:

Questions students ask

What programs are offered and at what credential level?: The school offers certificates in Cosmetology, Carpentry, Electrical and Power Transmission Installation, Plumbing, Vehicle Maintenance, Precision Metal Working, and Allied Health. It also offers an associate degree in Cosmetology and 24 additional programs beyond these core trades.
How much do graduates of a specific program typically earn?: Reported median earnings 10 years after entry for graduates are $33,828. This figure represents typical earnings across the school's programs.
How many students finish their program?: The completion rate is reported at 37.2%. For public community colleges, lower rates can sometimes indicate students transferring to four-year schools rather than failing to graduate.
Is the school public or private?: Northwest Shoals Community College is a public school located in Muscle Shoals, AL.
What is the typical student debt compared to the yearly net price?: The average annual net price after aid is $2,838, while the median student debt at completion is $10,000. Comparing total debt to the annual net price requires looking at the number of years attended to make an accurate assessment.

Other options in Alabama

School	City	Net price / yr	Completion	Earnings (10 yr)
Central Alabama Community College	Alexander City	$15,996	27.6%	$33,506
Coastal Alabama Community College	Bay Minette	$13,644	24.1%	$34,894
Gadsden State Community College	Gadsden	$3,515	31.2%	$32,937
George C Wallace Community College-Dothan	Dothan	$1,170	36.5%	$31,399
George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville	Hanceville	$13,170	44.4%	$39,842
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma	Selma	$9,272	30.4%	$31,598

Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (most recent release, pulled July 2026), school ID 101736. Figures are federally reported medians and may lag current prices. "Not reported" means the federal dataset suppresses or lacks the value — often due to small cohort sizes. How we compute comparisons. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or school.