Gadsden State Community College

Welcome to Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden State Community College is located in Gadsden, Ala., a city of 50,000 people located 97 km northeast of Birmingham, Ala., and 197 km northwest of Atlanta, Ga.   The climate of Gadsden is temperate with hot summers (average high 34C), mild winters (average high 7C) and precipitation throughout the year.  Gadsden and surrounding areas offer rivers, lakes, mountains and numerous local and state parks.  The friendly community offers true “Southern Hospitality” to Gadsden State Community College international students through get-acquainted meals and a wide range of activities.

Why Gadsden State Community College?

Gadsden State Community College prepares students from all backgrounds for success through quality education, innovative workforce development and inclusive community and global engagement. Some highlights of our College include:

• Located in a safe, convenient city with more affordable living expenses than large urban areas
• Fully accredited
• One of the largest community colleges in the state of Alabama
• New, state-of-the-art Science Building
• No. 1 objective: student success
• Free and easy application
• Welcoming atmosphere
• Enroll any semester – Fall, Spring (16 weeks each) or Summer (11 weeks)
• A master’s degree or doctorate required for faculty
• Student/Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1 
• Faculty readily available to students
• Tuition cost = one third of average university tuition in Alabama
• Quality education
• Associate degrees = Year 1 and Year 2 of a four-year bachelor’s degree (2 + 2)
• 35-plus fields of study prepare Gadsden State students for university transfer
• Transfer available to U.S. universities for Gadsden State graduates
• Transfer agreements with all Alabama public colleges and universities
• Higher grade point averages at Alabama universities earned by international students as compared to native English-speaking students in respective universities
• Professional and technical degrees, certificates and short-term Certificates offered
• Alabama Language Institute (ALI) 
  • Providing ESL instruction to students for more than 45 years
  • Experienced faculty
  • Oldest intensive English program in Alabama
  • One of the first intensive English programs among U.S. community colleges
  • Class size is limited to 15 students

Fast Facts

• 50-plus years of International Programming
• First and oldest intensive English program in the state of Alabama – established in 1973
• Low cost and outstanding value
• Full-service International Programs Office
• Official TOEFL Administration Site

AboutAlabama Language Institute 

ALI is a multi-level intensive English language program that helps students improve their English in order to be more successful both in the academic and the professional worlds. Students at ALI study cultural skills, grammar, pronunciation, reading and writing, speaking and listening, vocabulary and strategies for the TOEFL.  In addition, ALI offers students opportunities to interact with Americans on-campus and off-campus through conversation partner programs, field trips and cultural activities.  Students who complete the highest level of ALI courses with the grades of A or B receive a TOEFL waiver when applying to Gadsden State Community College.  ALI instructors have master’s degrees or higher and have experienced living and teaching abroad.

Supporting student success

• New international student airport pick-up
• International student orientation
• Healthcare resource assistance
• Orientation to American academics 
• 1-on-1 advising
• Free tutoring services
• University transfer information and support

The full-service International Programs Office serves the immigration, academic, counseling and personal needs of the students.  The office is responsible for recruiting, admitting, welcoming, advising, planning student activities and connecting students and the community, as well as responding daily to the concerns and challenges unique to the international student experience. 

Student Life

• Dormitory and cafeteria on campus
• 45-plus clubs and organizations
• Sports events
• Community volunteer/service opportunities
• Community and in-home dinners
• In-state and out-of-state field trips
• International Festival
• International Education Week
• Game and activity nights

Affordable Costs

Estimated Cost per Academic Year (June-August not included)

Alabama Language Institute (ALI) US $15,700

Includes: Tuition (15 hours per semester)

Campus Dormitory

Cafeteria (15 meals per week)

Mandatory Insurance

Books & Academic Supplies

College US $14,800

Includes: Tuition (12 hours per semester)

Campus Dormitory

Cafeteria (15 meals per week)

Mandatory Insurance

Books & Academic Supplies

Degree