What Is It Known For?
Lawson State Community College is known for being one of the top community colleges in Alabama, with a strong reputation for its nursing program, which has been ranked #1 in the state multiple times.
The college is recognized for its focus on student success, offering over 150 areas of concentration, including specialized career technical programs like HVAC, automotive, and welding, which are accredited by national organizations.
Lawson State also stands out for its historical significance as a historically black community college and for its commitment to providing affordable, accessible education while promoting economic growth in the diverse communities it serves.
Lawson State Community College offers on-campus housing in two residential buildings, Residence Hall I and Residence Hall II.
Degrees & Certifications
Lawson State Community College offers a variety of degrees and certifications across multiple disciplines, each designed to meet different educational and career goals.
Associate in Arts (AA) Degrees:
These degrees emphasize business and technology and are ideal for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university. The program typically requires 62 credit hours to complete.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degrees:
Focused on hands-on learning, the AAS degrees prepare students to enter the workforce directly after graduation. These programs include real-life experiences through internships and range from 69 credit hours (for example, Office Administration with a Medical Concentration) or fewer.
Associate of Science (AS) Degrees:
Offered in fields such as health professions, these degrees provide a foundation for students planning to continue their education in a specific healthcare field.
Associate of Occupational Technology (AOT) Degrees:
These degrees are designed for students pursuing technical and career-oriented education, providing specialized training for immediate entry into the workforce.
Certificates:
The certificate programs focus on specific skills-based training in areas like business, information technology, and technical education. These programs typically require 41 credit hours or fewer and can be completed within one year. The credits earned can often be transferred into a degree program.
Short Certificates:
These certificates are more condensed, requiring 28 credit hours or fewer, and can be completed in two semesters or less. They offer essential training in specific fields and can also be applied towards longer certificate or degree programs.
These diverse educational offerings cater to students looking to either transfer to a four-year institution or enter the workforce with practical, job-ready skills.
Class Schedules
When registering for classes, students should be aware of the different formats offered at Lawson State. The college provides several options:
Face-to-face classes are conducted entirely on campus, requiring attendance at specific times.
Hybrid classes blend on-campus meetings with online participation.
Flex classes are held weekly on campus but also stream live for students who need remote access due to temporary conflicts; however, in-person attendance is required for testing.
Online classes are fully online with 24/7 access, while virtual classes are conducted online via video conferencing at scheduled times.
Is It a Good School?
Lawson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Additionally, various programs at Lawson State have specific accreditations, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for the nursing programs, and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) for automotive programs.
Tuition & Acceptance Rate
To calculate the cost of an associate’s degree at Lawson State Community College, we’ll assume the degree requires 60 credit hours, which is typical for an associate’s degree.
For In-State Students:
- Tuition: $129 per credit hour
- Additional Fees:
- Facilities Renewal Fee: $9 per credit hour
- Technology Fee: $9 per credit hour
- Special Building Fee: $10 per credit hour
- ACCS Enhancement Fee: $10 per credit hour
- Bond Surety Fee: $1 per credit hour
Total Cost Per Credit Hour (In-State): $129 (Tuition) + $9 + $9 + $10 + $10 + $1 = $168 per credit hour
Total Cost for 60 Credit Hours (In-State): $168 * 60 = $10,080
For Out-of-State Students:
- Tuition: $258 per credit hour
- Additional Fees (same as in-state):
- Facilities Renewal Fee: $9 per credit hour
- Technology Fee: $9 per credit hour
- Special Building Fee: $10 per credit hour
- ACCS Enhancement Fee: $10 per credit hour
- Bond Surety Fee: $1 per credit hour
Total Cost Per Credit Hour (Out-of-State): $258 (Tuition) + $9 + $9 + $10 + $10 + $1 = $297 per credit hour
Total Cost for 60 Credit Hours (Out-of-State): $297 * 60 = $17,820
Summary:
- In-State Total Cost for an Associate’s Degree: $10,080
- Out-of-State Total Cost for an Associate’s Degree: $17,820
These calculations do not include additional costs like books, supplies, or optional room and board.
The acceptance rate is 100%.
See tuition fees here.
Programs & Courses
Automotive
- Automotive Technology
- Collision Repair
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Hospitality Management
- Sports Management
- Supply Chain
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- EMT
- LPN
- LPN to RN
- Radiology
- RN
- Sonography
Professional Services
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Culinary
Skilled Trades
- Construction
- Electrical
- Engineering
- HVAC
- Facilities Maintenance
- Machinist
- Manufacturing
- Mechatronics
- Plumbing
- Welding
Campus Locations
Birmingham 3060 Wilson Road, SW Birmingham, AL 35221
Bessemer 1100 Ninth Avenue, SW Bessemer, AL 35022
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Lawson State Community College has a mixed reputation, with many students praising the supportive, caring faculty and affordable education, while a significant number criticize the school for its disorganized and unprofessional administration.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive Faculty: Many students consistently praise their instructors and professors for being “nice people who care,” “going the extra mile,” and offering helpful guidance. Reviews highlight a nurturing environment where faculty members are invested in student success.
Affordable and Accessible Education: The college is viewed as a great and affordable way to start a college journey or return to school later in life. Students feel it offers a good foundation for both career and transfer goals.
Positive School Environment: Some students love the overall atmosphere, describing the college as a “happy place” with friendly classmates and a strong sense of community. The culinary program’s hot wings are even noted as being a highlight!Strong Programs: Lawson State is particularly known for its health professions programs, especially the nursing program, which has a strong reputation in the state. Other programs like culinary arts are also praised.
Common Criticisms
Disorganized and Unprofessional Administration: This is the most prevalent and serious complaint. Multiple reviews from various years describe the administration as “unprofessional” and “very unorganized.” Students report being unable to reach staff by phone, receiving poor or useless instructions, and dealing with rude employees.
Poor Communication: The lack of communication is a major source of frustration. Students report not receiving crucial information, such as their student email, and having trouble getting in touch with offices like financial aid, even when classes are about to start.
Outdated Facilities: Some reviewers note that certain rooms and buildings appear to be “falling apart” and are in need of updates. One reviewer even joked about roaches in a testing area.
Momentum
The reviews for Lawson State Community College are heavily polarized. Very recent reviews from just a few months ago continue to highlight the major administrative and communication problems. However, newer reviews also express a deep love for the school and its academic offerings. This indicates that while the quality of instruction and campus environment can be excellent, students’ experiences are often hindered by persistent and recurring administrative issues.