Talladega College: $15,650 Tuition

$15,650Tuition

782Students

65%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,229Earnings

#10 in AlabamaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUUnited Church of Christ

About Talladega College

Founded just two years after the Civil War ended, Talladega College has been educating students for over 150 years as one of Alabama's oldest historically black institutions. This small liberal arts college enrolls 782 students in a town-distant setting that fosters close community bonds. The school has produced notable graduates including civil rights attorney Arthur Shores, who fought against segregation in Alabama's courts. About 78% of students are Black, creating a supportive environment where students can explore their heritage while pursuing academic excellence.

Students pay an average net price of $13,461 after financial aid, with 76% receiving some form of assistance. The school charges the same tuition regardless of residency at $15,650. Graduates earn a median of $32,229 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $28,500 in debt with monthly payments of $302. The numbers suggest students should carefully consider their career goals before borrowing.

The Tornadoes compete in 16 NAIA sports with 208 total athletes sharing $469,052 in athletic scholarships. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and 81% retention rate, most students find the academic environment manageable. About 65% graduate within six years, reflecting the supportive but demanding nature of this historic institution.

Academics & Faculty

Talladega College operates as a historically black liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic disciplines rather than narrow specializations. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring. This close-knit academic environment contributes to a 65% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for a small HBCU. The college has historically emphasized teacher education and social sciences, preparing graduates for careers in education and public service. Liberal arts education here focuses on critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness rather than technical training. Students benefit from small class sizes where discussion and debate shape learning. The academic experience emphasizes personal growth alongside intellectual development.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 46.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.0%
Retention Rate: 81.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,229
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

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Campus Life

Talladega sits in a small Alabama town about 50 miles east of Birmingham, where you'll need both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen throughout the year. The campus houses up to 800 students, though with 782 total enrollment, nearly everyone who wants campus housing can get it. This creates a tight-knit community where 81% of students return each year.

The historic campus reflects the college's 1867 founding as one of Alabama's oldest HBCUs. Students gather around the iconic Savery Library and participate in traditions that span generations. With 16 varsity sports and 208 student athletes, the Tornadoes bring energy to campus life. Weekend activities center around athletics, student organizations, and trips to Birmingham for broader entertainment options. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Social life revolves around campus events, Greek organizations, and the strong alumni network that includes civil rights leaders like Arthur Shores. Students describe the atmosphere as family-like, where academic support and personal connections define the experience.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 800 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1867

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	5	5	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–54°F
July Avg: 68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.9"

Student Demographics

Talladega College draws students who need affordable access to higher education, with over three-quarters qualifying for Pell Grants. The student body splits almost evenly between Alabama residents and out-of-state students, reflecting both strong local ties and growing national recognition among families seeking HBCU education. Black students make up 78% of enrollment at this historically black institution. The slight male majority connects to the college's emphasis on business and STEM programs alongside liberal arts. Students typically come from working families who value the college's 157-year tradition of helping African American leaders.

Men: 56.3%
Women: 43.7%
White: 5.0%
Black: 77.9%
Hispanic: 8.4%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 49.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 75.5%

Location

Talladega College sits in Talladega, Alabama, a small town about 50 miles east of Birmingham. The campus serves 782 students in Alabama's east-central region, where rolling hills meet the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Talladega International Speedway brings NASCAR crowds twice yearly, transforming this quiet college town of roughly 15,000 residents. The area offers outdoor recreation at Cheaha State Park, Alabama's highest point located nearby. Students experience a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller Alabama towns, with the college serving as a cultural anchor since 1867. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Talladega College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Talladega, Alabama 35160

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,229
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,064
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 17.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $302/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $28,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at Talladega College?

Talladega College enrolls 782 students with a 56% male and 44% female split. The historically black college serves a predominantly African American student body at 78%, with nearly half of students coming from Alabama and the other half from out of state.

How much does Talladega College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,461 annually after aid, with 76% receiving financial assistance. The college keeps costs manageable for low-income families, charging just $13,423 for students from households earning under $30,000 per year.

What are the graduation outcomes at Talladega College?

The college graduates 51% of students within four years and 65% within six years. Alumni earn a median salary of $32,229 ten years after graduation, though graduates face challenges with only an 18% loan repayment rate.

Does Talladega College offer strong academic support?

The college maintains an 81% retention rate with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. As one of Alabama's oldest historically black institutions founded in 1867, Talladega emphasizes liberal arts education within a supportive Christian environment affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

Where do students live at Talladega College?

Campus housing accommodates up to 800 students with room and board costing $6,704 annually. The small-town setting in Talladega, Alabama provides an intimate college experience where students can focus on academics and community building.

What athletic opportunities exist at Talladega College?

The Tornadoes compete in 16 varsity sports at the NAIA level with 208 student-athletes. The college awards $469,052 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both academic and athletic excellence at this historic institution.