Stillman College: 64.5% Acceptance Rate

64.5%Acceptance

$11,392Tuition

761Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,421Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUPresbyterian Church (USA)

About Stillman College

Stillman College builds on nearly 150 years of Presbyterian tradition as a historically Black institution in Tuscaloosa. The college enrolls 761 students in a close-knit community where the student-faculty ratio stands at 12:1. Founded in 1876, Stillman has long served as a pathway to higher education for first-generation college students. The Tigers compete in 11 varsity sports at the NAIA level with 136 total athletes.

Students pay an average net price of $12,272 after financial aid, with 68% receiving Pell Grants. The low tuition of $11,392 applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. Graduates earn a median of $35,421 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $29,067. The monthly loan payment averages $308. While the return on investment requires patience, the affordable entry point makes college accessible for students from lower-income backgrounds.

The graduation rates tell a challenging story, with 33% finishing in four years and 41% completing degrees within six years. About 79% of students return for their second year. The student body is 86% Black and 79% from Alabama. The 360-bed housing capacity creates a residential experience for roughly half the student population.

Academics & Faculty

Stillman College operates as a historically Black liberal arts institution with deep Presbyterian roots dating to 1876. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. However, academic support appears inconsistent given the 32.64% four-year graduation rate and 41% six-year completion rate. The college traditionally emphasizes teacher education, business administration, and social work programs. Students benefit from small class sizes that encourage discussion and mentorship. The 78.86% retention rate suggests most freshmen stay engaged through sophomore year, though many need extra time to complete degrees. The Presbyterian heritage influences the curriculum with an emphasis on service learning and ethical leadership development.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 32.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.0%
Retention Rate: 78.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,421
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Stillman's compact campus sits in Tuscaloosa, home to the University of Alabama, giving students access to a larger college town atmosphere. The housing capacity of 360 means about 47% of the 761 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. Alabama's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen for scorching summers and a light jacket for mild winters.

With 85.81% of students identifying as Black, Stillman maintains its proud HBCU traditions and strong sense of community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic progress. Weekend activities often center around Tigers athletics, with 136 student-athletes competing in 11 NAIA sports. Students frequently venture into downtown Tuscaloosa for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, benefiting from the broader college town energy. The Presbyterian heritage shapes campus values while welcoming students from all backgrounds. Greek life and student organizations provide additional social outlets on this historically significant campus that has served students since 1876.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 360 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1876

Campus Safety (2023)

18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Burglary	5	5	0
Aggravated Assault	2	1	1
Robbery	2	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 35°–56°F
July Avg: 71°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 57.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Stillman College draws students primarily from Alabama, reflecting its deep roots in the state's educational landscape. The student body is predominantly African American, fulfilling the college's mission as a historically Black institution founded by Presbyterian missionaries in 1876. Most students come from lower-income families, with over two-thirds qualifying for Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men on campus. The small enrollment of 761 students creates an intimate learning environment where everyone knows each other. This tight-knit community attracts students seeking personal attention and strong connections to faculty and peers.

Men: 44.6%
Women: 55.5%
White: 7.5%
Black: 85.8%
Hispanic: 0.5%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 78.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 68.2%

Location

Stillman College sits in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, about 60 miles southwest of Birmingham. The city revolves around the University of Alabama, creating a classic college town atmosphere in west-central Alabama. Tuscaloosa's population of around 100,000 swells during football season when Crimson Tide fans descend on the area. The Black Warrior River runs through downtown, while the surrounding region features rolling hills and forests typical of the Alabama piedmont. With 78.69% of Stillman students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Alabama's culture and climate. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Stillman College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,421
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,455
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 25.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $308/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $29,067

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Stillman College?

Stillman College accepts 64.54% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The Presbyterian-affiliated HBCU focuses on providing educational opportunities for underrepresented students, with 85.81% of the student body being Black.

How much does Stillman College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Stillman College is $12,272, making it one of the more affordable private colleges in Alabama. With 68.20% of students receiving Pell Grants and the same percentage getting financial aid, the school serves primarily low-income families seeking quality higher education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Stillman College?

Stillman College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 761 enrolled students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention, though the school faces challenges with retention as only 78.86% of first-year students return for their sophomore year.

What are the graduation outcomes at Stillman College?

The six-year graduation rate at Stillman College is 41.00%, with graduates earning a median salary of $35,421 ten years after enrollment. While graduation rates are below national averages, the historically Black institution has served the African American community in Alabama since 1876.

Where do Stillman College students live on campus?

Stillman College houses students in residence halls with a capacity of 360, though the campus serves 761 total students. The Tuscaloosa campus provides a mid-sized city environment while maintaining the close-knit feel of a small Presbyterian college.

Does Stillman College offer athletic scholarships?

Stillman College awards $381,900 in athletic scholarships across 11 varsity sports programs competing at the NAIA level. The Tigers field teams for 136 total student-athletes, providing opportunities for both academic and athletic development at this historically Black institution.