Middle Tennessee's Community College Since 1971
A public community college in middle Tennessee offering more than 120 programs of study
Chosen for its affordability, welcoming atmosphere, and high-quality nursing and health programs
Find Your Path
Whether you're a recent graduate, a working parent, or returning to school through Tennessee Reconnect, there's a program built for where you're headed.
Over 120 programs of study including Associate degrees (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.F.A.) and Technical Certificates across multiple disciplines. From business technology to fine arts, each pathway is designed to transfer to a four-year university or lead directly into a career.
High school students can earn college credits through dual enrollment and dual credit testing programs. Get a head start on your degree while still in high school — saving time and money on your education.
Comprehensive health sciences programs including nursing, radiologic technology, and paramedic training. Vol State's nursing program is consistently praised by students as high-quality and career-launching.
Online educational programs available for adult learners and distance education students. Study on your schedule — whether you're working full-time, raising a family, or managing both.
On-campus recording studio available for students in entertainment media production programs. Located minutes from Nashville's music industry, gain hands-on experience in a professional studio environment.
Individual and large group campus tours available for prospective students. Walk the Gallatin campus, see the library students call "absolutely beautiful," and meet the faculty who go out of their way to help.
Why Vol State
No downtown commute. No four-year tuition. Just 120+ clear pathways to a career or university transfer.
More program breadth than most Tennessee community colleges. Associate degrees, technical certificates, and transfer pathways across business, health sciences, humanities, math, nursing, and social sciences.
Over 50 years serving Middle Tennessee. Founded by Hal Ramer, who built the college from the ground up and served as president for 33 years — a legacy of student-first education.
Adults without a degree can attend tuition-free through the Tennessee Reconnect program. Combined with Prior Learning Assessment credit for work experience, your degree is closer than you think.
Located in Gallatin with multiple campus locations across the region. Skip the downtown Nashville traffic and study close to home with the same transfer-ready degrees.
Vol State partners with Amazon Career Choice so current Amazon employees can pursue their education with employer-funded tuition benefits — an option no other local community college highlights.
Dedicated resources for military-affiliated and veteran students including specialized advising, benefits navigation, and a campus community that understands service members' unique needs.
Our Story
Volunteer State Community College opened for classes in October of 1971, the result of three years of preparation by Hal Ramer. As Assistant State Education Commissioner, Ramer helped form the Tennessee community college system, then went on to build a college in Gallatin from scratch. He served as founding president for 33 years.
Today, Vol State serves diverse student populations — traditional high school graduates, adult learners, military-affiliated students, and international students — across multiple campus locations northeast of Nashville. With foundation scholarships, financial aid, and Tennessee Reconnect access, the college continues Ramer's original vision: an accessible, affordable education for every Middle Tennessean.
"Amazing school — welcoming environment with great teachers who are extremely willing to go out of their way to help their students."
— Vol State Student
Student Voices
"The classes I have taken have been wonderful and I can't complain. The nursing program challenged me in ways I needed, and I graduated feeling truly prepared for the floor."
Sarah M.
Nursing Graduate, 2024
"They got it right!!!! Faculty are extremely willing to go out of their way to help their students. The library is absolutely beautiful and the campus is easy to navigate even on day one."
Marcus T.
Business Administration Student
"I came back to school at 34 through Tennessee Reconnect. Vol State made it so simple — the advisors helped me get Prior Learning Assessment credit for my work experience. I'm on track to finish my A.S. in just three semesters."
Jennifer L.
Adult Learner, Tennessee Reconnect
"Welcoming environment with great teachers. I finished my EMT certification here and went straight into work. The hands-on training was real-world and the instructors had actual field experience."
David R.
EMT Program Graduate
Common Questions
Vol State's nursing program is consistently one of the most praised programs by students, who highlight its rigor and real-world preparation. Combined with radiologic technology and paramedic training, the health sciences division offers a depth of healthcare pathways that's hard to find at a single community college in Middle Tennessee.
Yes. Through the Tennessee Reconnect program, adults who don't already hold an associate or bachelor's degree can attend Vol State tuition-free. Additionally, the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Portfolio Credit program lets you earn credit for professional work experience, potentially shortening your time to graduation.
The main campus is in Gallatin, Tennessee — northeast of Nashville. Vol State also operates multiple satellite campus locations across the Middle Tennessee region, making it accessible whether you live in Hendersonville, Lebanon, or the surrounding communities. No downtown Nashville traffic required.
Vol State has dedicated resources for military-affiliated students including specialized advising, assistance with VA benefits processing, and a campus community familiar with the unique challenges service members face. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or a military dependent, there's a clear support pathway in place.
Absolutely. Vol State's dual enrollment program lets high school students take college-level courses and earn credits that count toward both their diploma and a future degree. It's one of the most cost-effective ways to get a head start — and many students arrive at a four-year university with a semester or more already completed.
Vol State offers over 120 programs — significantly more breadth than most competitors. It's the accessible, program-rich alternative for Middle Tennessee students seeking flexible, affordable pathways to career and university success without the Nashville urban commute. Combine that with foundation scholarships, Amazon Career Choice partnership, and a 50+ year track record, and you get a college built specifically for this region.
Get in Touch
Whether you're ready to enroll or just exploring options, reach out. We'll help you find the right program, understand your financial aid options, and get you on campus.
Gallatin, Tennessee — Northeast of Nashville
Multiple campus locations across Middle Tennessee
120+ programs including Associate degrees, Technical Certificates, Dual Enrollment, and Online options
