
J F Drake State Technical College offers affordable two year programs. These programs lead to an associate of technology degree or a certificate program allowing for immediate entry into the workforce. Drake State aims to insure that its students are competitive in the job market by arming them with the skills they need to succeed. The thing that impresses most people is that tuition is affordable. You don’t have to pay a lot to get a great education at Drake State. In-state tuition is $111 per credit. The college is located in Huntsville, Alabama and over 1,200 students are enrolled.
The school was founded in 1961 as the Huntsville State Vocational Technical College. Drake was built on 32 acres of land and started out with only 27 students. The name of the school was changed to J. F. Drake State Technical Trade School in 1966 to honor of the late Joseph Fanning Drake, president of Alabama A&M University for more than 35 years.
Drake State Technical College is home to programs in Automotive Service Technology, Barbering Technology, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Medical Assisting Technology, Salon Management, and Welding.
Many outstanding services are available to students at J F Drake State Technical College. The college provides counseling and assessment that helps students discover their interest. Student services also offers financial assistance that maximize the student’s ability to go to school. Tutoring services and career services are also available which help students to succeed.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,000. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $3,500-$4,100
- Out-of-State: $6,900-$8,280
- Charges per unit:
- State Residents: $120-$140 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $230-$280 per credit unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 90% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 88% | $4,957 |
Receiving Student Loans | 2% | $4,833 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, J F Drake State Technical College may provide student services like those listed below:
- Online classes
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Assistance to find work
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Students who attend a community college will be able to choose from a variety of programs that will lead to an associate's degree or transfer to a four year institution. The following list shows graduation and transfer-out rates for this school compared to community colleges in Alabama, which can be useful for determining which community college to attend.
Drake State | Madison County | Alabama | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 15.4% | - | 17.9% |
Transfer-out Rate | 14.9% | - | 19.7% |
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by J F Drake State Technical College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Business and Marketing Studies
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (A)
Construction Trades
- Electrician (C)
Engineering Technology
- Automotive Engineering (A)
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) (A)
- Refrigeration Technology (A)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A)
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
Personal and Culinary Services
- Culinary Arts (A)
- Personal Grooming Arts (C)
- Salon Management (A, C)
- Cosmetology (C)
- Barber
Precision Production
- Welding (C)
- Tool and Die Technician (A)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to J F Drake State Technical College.
- Motlow State Community College in Tullahoma, TN (44 miles away)
- Snead State Community College in Boaz, AL (46 miles away)
- Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainsville, AL (48 miles away)
- Wallace State Community College - Hanceville in Hanceville, AL (50 miles away)
- Northwest Shoals Community College - Muscle Shoals in Muscle Shoals, AL (63 miles away)