About Miles College
The financial reality requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $14,514 after aid, with 75.52% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $32,627 ten years after leaving school while carrying typical debt loads of $31,217. The monthly loan payment of $331 represents a significant portion of early-career income, making career planning essential.
The Golden Bears compete in NCAA Division II athletics, offering 282 student-athletes opportunities across 10 varsity sports. The student body is 95.13% Black, creating a strong cultural community where 62.66% of students come from Alabama. However, the 25.70% six-year graduation rate and 55.63% retention rate signal academic challenges that prospective students should understand. Success here requires commitment and strong support systems.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.7%
- Retention Rate
- 55.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,627
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $24,679 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $19,683 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $19,227 |
Campus Life
The Golden Bears compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with 282 student-athletes receiving $1.3 million in athletic scholarships. Basketball games and homecoming draw the biggest crowds on this historically black campus where 95% of students are African American. Students often head to Birmingham's Railroad Park or catch concerts at local venues on weekends. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Campus traditions center around the Christian Methodist Episcopal heritage, though the school welcomes students from all backgrounds. With 63% of students coming from Alabama, many go home on weekends, but campus programming keeps residents engaged.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 882 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1898
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 9 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–55°F
- July Avg
- 70°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.1%
- Women
- 52.9%
- White
- 2.5%
- Black
- 95.1%
- Hispanic
- 1.8%
- Asian
- 0.1%
- In-State Students
- 62.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 75.5%
Location
- Address
- Fairfield, Alabama 35064-2621
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,627
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,671
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 15.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $331/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,217
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student population and demographics at Miles College?
Miles College enrolls 1,151 students in its suburban Fairfield campus. As a historically black college founded in 1898, the student body is 95.13% Black with a nearly even gender split of 52.91% women and 47.09% men.
How much does Miles College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Miles College is $14,514 per year, with 75.52% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $13,517, while the total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $20,312.
What is the student-faculty ratio and class experience like at Miles College?
Miles College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in its education and business programs. The Christian Methodist Episcopal institution operates on a semester calendar system with strong traditions in teacher preparation and entrepreneurship.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Miles College?
Miles College has a 26.09% four-year graduation rate and 25.70% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $32,627 ten years after graduation, though many face challenges with a low 14.98% loan repayment rate and median debt of $31,217.
Does Miles College offer on-campus housing and what is campus life like?
Miles College provides housing for up to 882 students on its suburban campus near Birmingham. The Golden Bears compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 10 varsity sports and 282 total athletes, supported by $1,338,111 in athletic scholarships.
Is Miles College affordable for low-income students?
Miles College serves a predominantly low-income population with 75.52% of students receiving Pell Grants. The retention rate of 55.63% reflects the financial challenges many students face, though institutional grants averaging $9,391 help 31.02% of students afford their education.
