Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Huntsville, Alabama
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$11,908Annual Cost
$28,281Grad Salary
44.4%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$4,644
Need-Based Aid
44.4% receive Pell
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College AL J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College focuses on workforce preparation, technical education, and career advancement opportunities. The institution is particularly known for programs aligned with regional industry and technology needs.\n\nPrograms in advanced manufacturing, engineering technologies, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades provide strong employment prospects. Students benefit from hands-on learning, employer partnerships, and affordable career-focused education.
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Acceptance Rate
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Drake State
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Drake State Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Drake State
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Drake State provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Don't confuse this with J.F. Ingram State Technical College - same naming pattern, unrelated mission
Drake State (Huntsville) and Ingram State (Deatsville) are separate Alabama institutions sharing a near-identical "J.F. [Surname] State [...] Technical College" naming convention - Drake State is an open-enrollment HBCU community college serving the general public, while Ingram State serves exclusively incarcerated individuals. Confirm which institution is meant before referencing either school's admissions process.
Point to the NASA HUNCH partnership specifically for manufacturing/engineering applicants
Drake State was the first two-year college in the Southeast to join NASA's HUNCH program in 2010, and recently installed a Haas VF6 SS Machining Center in its new Leidos Advanced Training Complex - equipment rare enough that Drake State is one of only a few post-secondary institutions nationally with a machine of this caliber. A manufacturing or engineering technology applicant should reference this specific equipment and partnership directly, tied to Huntsville's aerospace industry, rather than generic "hands-on training" language.
Ask about the LPN Launch Program with Huntsville Hospital for a faster nursing entry point
This specific partnership with Huntsville Hospital may offer faster placement or hospital-based clinical advantages compared to the standard nursing application route - a nursing-track applicant should ask about it by name, since partnership-based pathways like this often aren't offered by default without asking.
Use the Western Governors University bridge for bachelor's completion planning
Drake State has a specific articulation partnership with Western Governors University for students and alumni pursuing bachelor's degrees after their associate credential - map out this completion plan at enrollment rather than figuring it out only after finishing the associate degree.
Expert Insight:
Student reviews specifically flag transcript evaluation and program-admission bureaucracy - particularly around nursing - as a real friction point, including at least one reported case of previously completed coursework not being recognized during program admission. Follow up proactively and in writing on transcript evaluation status rather than assuming it's processed automatically alongside general admission.
Drake State Profile
Full Name
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College (Drake State)
City
Huntsville
State
Alabama
ZIP Code
35811
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Drake State Degree Worth It?
Getting into Drake State can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Drake State offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Drake State is $52,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.33%.
How much does a degree from Drake State Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College is $11,908. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College is $4,644.
44.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Drake State and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Drake State as your choice in the form.
How much does a Drake State Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $28,281. An average Drake State graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at Drake State
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Drake State Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $28,281 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $11,908 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
44.4% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.