About Selma University
Selma University trains future ministers and educators in the heart of Alabama's civil rights history. This historically black Baptist institution enrolls just 34 students in a town-distant setting. The university has deep roots in theological education and teacher preparation programs. With a 3:1 student-faculty ratio, every student receives highly personalized attention from professors.
At $4,800 for tuition regardless of residency, Selma offers one of the most affordable college experiences in America. Total attendance costs reach only $9,200 including room and board. However, the 11.79% loan repayment rate suggests graduates struggle financially after leaving. The 24% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degrees within six years. No students currently receive Pell Grants or federal financial aid.
The student body is 100% Black and 58.82% male, reflecting the university's mission to serve African American men entering ministry. Campus housing accommodates 66 students, nearly double the current enrollment. This small scale creates an intimate community but also signals enrollment challenges. Students choosing Selma should be committed to completing their studies despite the institutional struggles, as the low graduation and loan repayment rates indicate significant academic and financial hurdles.
At $4,800 for tuition regardless of residency, Selma offers one of the most affordable college experiences in America. Total attendance costs reach only $9,200 including room and board. However, the 11.79% loan repayment rate suggests graduates struggle financially after leaving. The 24% graduation rate means most students don't complete their degrees within six years. No students currently receive Pell Grants or federal financial aid.
The student body is 100% Black and 58.82% male, reflecting the university's mission to serve African American men entering ministry. Campus housing accommodates 66 students, nearly double the current enrollment. This small scale creates an intimate community but also signals enrollment challenges. Students choosing Selma should be committed to completing their studies despite the institutional struggles, as the low graduation and loan repayment rates indicate significant academic and financial hurdles.
Academics & Faculty
Selma University operates as a small Baptist institution with deep roots in ministry and education preparation. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with professors in an intimate academic setting. With only 34 students enrolled, classes function more like seminars than lectures. The university traditionally emphasizes theology, religious studies, and teacher preparation programs that serve Baptist communities. However, the 24% graduation rate suggests students face significant academic and financial challenges despite the personalized attention. The school's historical mission centers on training ministers and educators for African American Baptist congregations. Students seeking intensive mentorship and faith-based education find a tight-knit community, though academic support systems may need strengthening.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 3:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 24.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 24.0%
Campus Life
With just 34 students enrolled, Selma University creates an intimate campus where everyone knows each other. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio means professors work closely with each student in this historically Black Baptist institution. Only 66 housing spots exist on campus, so most of the small student body lives locally in this Alabama town about 50 miles west of Montgomery.
Students here experience mild winters where a light jacket suffices, but summers demand air conditioning and sunscreen as temperatures soar into the 90s. The 100% African American student body reflects the university's deep HBCU roots dating to 1878. Ministry and education programs dominate academic life, preparing students for careers in teaching and religious leadership. With such a tiny enrollment, weekends often center around church activities and community service in historic Selma. The low $9,200 total cost of attendance makes this one of the most affordable college experiences available, though the 24% graduation rate suggests academic success requires strong personal motivation in this close-knit environment.
Students here experience mild winters where a light jacket suffices, but summers demand air conditioning and sunscreen as temperatures soar into the 90s. The 100% African American student body reflects the university's deep HBCU roots dating to 1878. Ministry and education programs dominate academic life, preparing students for careers in teaching and religious leadership. With such a tiny enrollment, weekends often center around church activities and community service in historic Selma. The low $9,200 total cost of attendance makes this one of the most affordable college experiences available, though the 24% graduation rate suggests academic success requires strong personal motivation in this close-knit environment.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 66 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1878
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–59°F
- July Avg
- 71°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.4"
Student Demographics
Selma University draws an entirely Black student body of just 34 students to this historic Baptist institution. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where every student receives personal attention. Men slightly outnumber women, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on ministry preparation alongside education programs. The extremely small enrollment creates a tight-knit community where students develop close relationships with faculty and peers. This HBCU continues its founding mission of serving the African American community through religious and educational leadership training in the heart of Alabama's historic civil rights corridor.
- Men
- 58.8%
- Women
- 41.2%
- White
- 0.0%
- Black
- 100.0%
- Hispanic
- 0.0%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 0.0%
Location
Selma University sits in Selma, Alabama, about 50 miles west of Montgomery. The historic town of roughly 18,000 residents played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches. Students walk the same streets where voting rights activists once demonstrated for equality. The campus exists in Alabama's Black Belt region, characterized by rural farmland and small communities. Selma maintains its small-town atmosphere while preserving significant civil rights landmarks like the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The university's 34 students experience an intimate college environment in a place steeped in African American history. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Selma University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Selma, Alabama 36701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 11.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body size at Selma University?
Selma University enrolls just 34 students, making it one of the smallest universities in Alabama. This tiny enrollment creates an intimate learning environment at this historically black Baptist institution founded in 1878.
How much does Selma University cost to attend?
Total cost of attendance is $9,200, with tuition at $4,800 regardless of residency status. Room and board adds just $3,600, making it exceptionally affordable among private universities.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Selma University?
The student-faculty ratio is 3:1, providing nearly individualized instruction. This tiny ratio reflects the university's focus on ministry and education programs with highly personalized attention.
What is the graduation rate at Selma University?
Both the 4-year and 6-year graduation rates stand at 24%. The loan repayment rate of 11.79% indicates significant financial challenges for graduates from this small Baptist institution.
Where is Selma University located and what type of setting does it offer?
The campus sits in Selma, Alabama, classified as a town-distant setting. Housing capacity reaches 66 students, accommodating nearly twice the current enrollment of 34.
Is Selma University a historically black college?
Yes, Selma University is an HBCU with 100% Black enrollment and 0% of other racial groups. The student body is 58.82% male and 41.18% female, maintaining its identity as a Baptist institution focused on ministry preparation.
