Bishop State Community College: $5,280 Tuition

$5,280Tuition

2,100Students

23%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,916Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24HBCU

About Bishop State Community College

Bishop State Community College serves as a stepping stone for working adults and recent high school graduates in Mobile, with 2,100 students spread across multiple campuses. This historically black community college has deep roots in Alabama's Gulf Coast, training students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades since 1927. The school attracts students who need flexible schedules and practical job training rather than four-year degrees.

The average student pays $4,176 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable options in Alabama. About 42% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $29,916 ten years after starting, which may seem modest but represents solid progress for students entering fields like nursing assistance, welding, and automotive technology. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $3,902 per year.

The student body is 67% Black and 66% female, typical for community colleges focused on healthcare and human services programs. With a 91% employment rate, most graduates find work quickly, even though only 23% complete their programs within six years. Many students attend part-time while working, which explains the lower completion rate but higher job placement success.

Academics & Faculty

Bishop State focuses on career training and workforce development, offering programs in nursing, automotive technology, welding, and business that directly connect to Mobile's port economy and healthcare sector. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, classes stay relatively small for a community college, giving students decent access to instructors. However, the 23.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work, family, and school. As an HBCU community college serving 67.48% Black students, Bishop State specializes in providing affordable pathways to four-year schools or immediate employment. The college's strength lies in hands-on technical programs that prepare students for Alabama's growing manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 38.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 23.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,916

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,857
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$50,105
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$35,594
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$32,658
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$23,113
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,710
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$20,824
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$15,090

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Bishop State sits in Mobile, Alabama's historic downtown district, about 150 miles from both New Orleans and Birmingham. The 2,100 students experience Alabama's humid subtropical climate, meaning hot, sticky summers where you'll need plenty of sunscreen and mild winters where a light jacket usually does the job. With 66% women and 67% Black students, this historically Black community college has a strong sense of community despite being a commuter campus.

Most students live off-campus and drive to class, creating a different rhythm than traditional four-year schools. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually know your professors, not just sit in lecture halls. Since 94% of students come from Alabama, many have jobs or family responsibilities alongside their studies. The Wildcats compete in 5 NJCAA sports with 94 total athletes, though campus life tends to revolve more around academics and career preparation than weekend parties. Students often study together in the library or grab lunch between classes, but weekends usually mean heading home or to jobs around Mobile's port and manufacturing economy.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1927

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 42°–62°F
July Avg: 75°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.2"

Student Demographics

Bishop State draws students primarily from Alabama and the greater Mobile area, with 94% coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly African American at 67%, reflecting the college's identity as a historically black institution serving the local community. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, which aligns with the school's strong programs in healthcare, education, and business fields where women often pursue associate degrees. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants, Bishop State serves many first-generation college students and working adults seeking affordable career training close to home.

Men: 34.0%
Women: 66.0%
White: 22.0%
Black: 67.5%
Hispanic: 2.3%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 93.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.0%

Location

Bishop State Community College sits in Mobile, Alabama, a historic port city of about 190,000 people on the Gulf Coast. Mobile lies 150 miles south of Birmingham and just 30 miles from the Mississippi border. The city blends Southern history with modern industry, featuring the Port of Mobile as one of the nation's largest seaports. Students here live near Mobile Bay and are just an hour from Gulf Shores beaches. The area offers internships in shipping, healthcare, and aerospace industries, with companies like Airbus operating major facilities nearby. Mobile's cost of living runs well below the national average, making it affordable for community college students. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Bishop State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mobile, Alabama 36603-5898

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,916
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,952
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bishop State Community College?

Bishop State Community College operates with an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 2,100 students with a strong focus on workforce development and transfer preparation. As a historically black community college founded in 1927, it provides accessible higher education to Mobile's diverse population.

How much does Bishop State Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Bishop State pay an average net price of $4,176 after financial aid, making it highly affordable for working-class families. Nearly 42% of students receive Pell Grants, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,902 annually. The low-income focused mission keeps education accessible in Mobile's economically diverse community.

What academic programs is Bishop State Community College known for?

Bishop State offers career-focused programs with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. The college emphasizes practical training for local industries, particularly in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Students benefit from semester-based scheduling and strong connections to Mobile's job market.

What are the job outcomes for Bishop State Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation despite a 23.2% six-year graduation rate. Alumni earn a median of $29,916 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on entry-level career training. The emphasis on immediate employment over four-year transfer helps students enter Mobile's job market quickly.

Where is Bishop State Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Mobile, Alabama, a mid-sized port city with rich cultural history and growing economic opportunities. With 66% women and 67% Black students, the campus reflects the demographics of Mobile's urban core. The Wildcats compete in five NJCAA sports with 94 total athletes, creating school spirit despite the commuter-focused environment.

Is Bishop State Community College a historically black institution?

Yes, Bishop State is designated as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), founded in 1927 to serve African American students in Mobile. Today 67% of students are Black, maintaining its legacy while serving all students in the community. The HBCU designation connects students to scholarship opportunities and a network of similar institutions across the South.