First Time College Students

If you are a first-time college student, you need to have ONE of the following:

• A diploma from an accredited high school

• A GED transcript

• A high school diploma and an ACT composite score of 16 or higher (if you attended a non-accredited high school)

• An Alabama Occupational Diploma and an ACT composite score of 16 or higher 

All transcripts must be official and mailed from the sending institution directly to Jefferson State. Faxed and hand delivered copies are not considered official.

Transcripts must be mailed directly to:

Jefferson State Community College
Enrollment Services
2601 Carson Road
Birmingham, AL  35215

Applicants who received a high school diploma and never attended college must submit an official copy of their high school transcript verifying a graduation date.

Applicants who have attended a non-regionally accredited high school or have the equivalent to an Occupational Diploma must also submit a minimum ACT composite score of 16.

Regionally accredited high schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the Alabama Independent School Association. Please contact your high school to determine if it has the required accreditation. 

Applicants who did not graduate from high school must submit official GED transcript indicating a passing score.

GED transcripts must be sent directly from the GED Testing Center to Enrollment Services. The Jefferson State Testing Center does not automatically forward GED test scores to Enrollment Services without a written request from the student.

Jefferson State will accept either of the following for placement into math and English courses: ACT or SAT scores taken within three years or the COMPASS Test given by the Jefferson State Testing Center may contact the Testing Center at 205-856-7896.

Residency
Applicants who attended high school, college or received a GED outside the state of Alabama may be assessed out-of-state tuition. For additional information, please review the Application for Eligibility for In-State Residency.

Financial Aid
To apply for Federal Student Aid you can use the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov  or complete a paper copy and mail the information to the federal government. Official transcripts are required from all institutions attended, whether or not grades or courses are to be used. For Financial Aid purposes, ALL transcripts must be mailed directly from the sending institution, including non-accredited schools and evaluated. Before registering, student’s files must be complete in both  the Financial Aid Office (including In-House paper work) and Enrollment Services to receive award. Most students will have to produce a appropriate tax returns for themselves or supporting parents.

To complete an online application, click here.

To print and mail the application, click here.