About Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham-Southern College built its reputation on intimate classroom experiences before permanently closing in 2024. This United Methodist liberal arts college enrolled just 713 students in its final years, creating an environment where every student knew their professors personally. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio fostered mentoring relationships that defined the Birmingham-Southern experience. Students thrived on the college's strong traditions and tight-knit community atmosphere in Alabama's largest city.
The financial picture tells a complex story about small college economics. Students paid an average net price of $23,351 after aid, while graduates typically carried $25,000 in debt with monthly payments around $265. Early career earnings started at $30,700 but climbed to $59,481 within a decade. The 75.6% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates could manage their debt, though the college's closure raises questions about long-term value for those who didn't complete their degrees.
Birmingham-Southern's student body was 55% male and drew primarily from Alabama, with 61% of students coming from in-state. The Four-One-Four calendar system allowed for intensive January terms and study abroad opportunities. Despite strong employment rates of 95.5% for graduates, the college ultimately couldn't sustain its operations, marking the end of a 167-year educational legacy.
The financial picture tells a complex story about small college economics. Students paid an average net price of $23,351 after aid, while graduates typically carried $25,000 in debt with monthly payments around $265. Early career earnings started at $30,700 but climbed to $59,481 within a decade. The 75.6% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates could manage their debt, though the college's closure raises questions about long-term value for those who didn't complete their degrees.
Birmingham-Southern's student body was 55% male and drew primarily from Alabama, with 61% of students coming from in-state. The Four-One-Four calendar system allowed for intensive January terms and study abroad opportunities. Despite strong employment rates of 95.5% for graduates, the college ultimately couldn't sustain its operations, marking the end of a 167-year educational legacy.
Academics & Faculty
Birmingham-Southern built its reputation as a classic liberal arts college where professors knew every student by name. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio meant classes felt more like seminars than lectures. The college's signature 4-1-4 calendar system included a month-long January term for intensive study abroad or unique projects. Business and pre-med programs drew the strongest students, while the music conservatory produced notable performers throughout the South. About 64% of students graduated within four years, reflecting both the close mentoring and academic rigor. The United Methodist affiliation shaped campus culture but didn't restrict academic freedom. Unfortunately, financial struggles forced the college to close permanently in May 2024.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 74.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.2%
- Retention Rate
- 63.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,481
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
Campus Life
Birmingham-Southern's intimate campus houses just 713 students, creating a tight-knit community where the 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The 192-acre hilltop campus sits eight miles southwest of downtown Birmingham, giving students access to internships and entertainment in Alabama's largest city. Alabama's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but should prepare for hot, humid summers.
With housing capacity for 1,084 students, nearly all undergraduates live on campus in the college's distinctive residential communities. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term that students often spend studying abroad or pursuing unique projects. Weekend traditions center around the campus's strong Greek life and athletic events, with students gathering at the Panther Den for games and social events. The college's United Methodist heritage influences its values-driven atmosphere, though students of all backgrounds feel welcome. Birmingham's active food scene and cultural attractions provide popular weekend destinations, from the Civil Rights Institute to trendy Highland Park restaurants.
Note: Birmingham-Southern College permanently closed in May 2024 due to financial challenges.
With housing capacity for 1,084 students, nearly all undergraduates live on campus in the college's distinctive residential communities. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term that students often spend studying abroad or pursuing unique projects. Weekend traditions center around the campus's strong Greek life and athletic events, with students gathering at the Panther Den for games and social events. The college's United Methodist heritage influences its values-driven atmosphere, though students of all backgrounds feel welcome. Birmingham's active food scene and cultural attractions provide popular weekend destinations, from the Civil Rights Institute to trendy Highland Park restaurants.
Note: Birmingham-Southern College permanently closed in May 2024 due to financial challenges.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,084 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–54°F
- July Avg
- 72°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 56.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.4"
Student Demographics
Birmingham-Southern attracted students who valued close professor relationships in a small college setting. The student body of 713 drew heavily from Alabama, with 61% coming from in-state, reflecting the college's strong regional reputation within Methodist communities. The slight male majority aligned with the school's emphasis on business and pre-professional programs alongside liberal arts. About one in five students received Pell Grants, indicating the college served middle-class families seeking personalized education. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio meant students could expect genuine mentorship and academic support throughout their college experience.
- Men
- 55.1%
- Women
- 44.9%
- White
- 70.4%
- Black
- 16.1%
- Hispanic
- 8.0%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 60.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.6%
Location
Birmingham-Southern sits in Alabama's largest city, home to 1.1 million metro residents. The campus occupies 192 acres in a leafy residential neighborhood just five miles from downtown Birmingham's business district. Students find themselves in the heart of the Deep South, where steel industry history meets modern healthcare and banking sectors. The city's Magic City nickname reflects its rapid industrial growth in the early 1900s. Birmingham offers internship opportunities at major corporations like Regions Bank and UAB Hospital. The surrounding area features rolling hills characteristic of the Appalachian foothills. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Birmingham-Southern with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Birmingham, Alabama 35254
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,481
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,625
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Birmingham-Southern College?
Birmingham-Southern College accepts 57% of applicants with middle 50% SAT scores ranging from 1150 to 1280. The college attracts students who value small class sizes and personal attention from faculty.
How much does Birmingham-Southern College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,351, though families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $19,562. About 34% of students receive institutional grants averaging $14,163 to help offset the $38,112 total cost of attendance.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Birmingham-Southern College?
The college maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with only 713 total students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for close mentoring relationships that the college has been known for throughout its history.
How much do Birmingham-Southern College graduates earn?
Alumni earn a median of $59,481 ten years after graduation with a 95.5% employment rate. Graduates typically carry $25,000 in median debt with monthly loan payments of $265.
Where is Birmingham-Southern College located?
The college sits in Birmingham, Alabama, drawing 61% of its students from in-state. The campus serves as home to 1,084 residential students in this mid-size Southern city.
Is Birmingham-Southern College still operating?
Birmingham-Southern College closed in 2024 after operating as a United Methodist liberal arts institution. The college was known for its Four-One-Four calendar system and strong campus traditions before its closure.
