About University of Montevallo
University of Montevallo produces teachers and small-town professionals from its campus of 2,087 students in central Alabama. This public liberal arts school sits in a college town setting and has built its reputation on teacher education programs and personal attention in the classroom. Harper Lee, who wrote "To Kill a Mockingbird," graduated from here, as did entertainer Jim Nabors. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually know your professors, not just sit in lecture halls with hundreds of other students.
The school costs less than many people expect for a four-year degree. Students pay an average net price of $17,053 after financial aid, and 39% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $42,957 ten years after college, which covers the typical debt load of $24,000 pretty well. Monthly loan payments average $254, which most teachers and other graduates can handle on their starting salaries.
Women make up 60% of the student body, and 81% of students come from Alabama. The school keeps 73% of freshmen for sophomore year, though only 49% graduate within six years. If you're looking for big-time college sports, this isn't it, but the Falcons compete in 18 Division II sports in the Gulf South Conference.
The school costs less than many people expect for a four-year degree. Students pay an average net price of $17,053 after financial aid, and 39% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $42,957 ten years after college, which covers the typical debt load of $24,000 pretty well. Monthly loan payments average $254, which most teachers and other graduates can handle on their starting salaries.
Women make up 60% of the student body, and 81% of students come from Alabama. The school keeps 73% of freshmen for sophomore year, though only 49% graduate within six years. If you're looking for big-time college sports, this isn't it, but the Falcons compete in 18 Division II sports in the Gulf South Conference.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Montevallo is a public liberal arts college that focuses heavily on teacher education and preparing future educators for Alabama schools. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, you'll get personal attention that's hard to find at larger state universities. The college offers the classic liberal arts experience with small seminars and professors who know your name, though this comes with a tradeoff in graduation rates. Only 52% of students finish in four years and 49% graduate within six years, which reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with financial pressures. The education program remains the school's flagship offering, consistently producing teachers for the region.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 69.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.4%
- Retention Rate
- 73.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,957
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $56,157 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $53,984 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,733 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $44,933 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,384 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,249 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $37,088 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,872 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
Campus Life
The University of Montevallo sits in a small Alabama town about 35 miles south of Birmingham, making weekend trips to the city easy but keeping campus life intimate. With 2,087 students and housing for 1,373, about two-thirds of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where you'll recognize faces walking to class. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number.
Alabama's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but will spend most of the year in t-shirts and shorts. Students gather on the historic campus quad between classes, and the town's small size (about 6,600 people) means most social life happens on campus. Weekend activities often center around the 18 Division II sports teams or student organizations. The school maintains some unique traditions, including its historic connection to women's education and a strong theater program. Many students drive to Birmingham for shopping or concerts, but the campus itself provides most of what you need for a typical college experience in a small Southern town.
Alabama's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but will spend most of the year in t-shirts and shorts. Students gather on the historic campus quad between classes, and the town's small size (about 6,600 people) means most social life happens on campus. Weekend activities often center around the 18 Division II sports teams or student organizations. The school maintains some unique traditions, including its historic connection to women's education and a strong theater program. Many students drive to Birmingham for shopping or concerts, but the campus itself provides most of what you need for a typical college experience in a small Southern town.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,373 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–55°F
- July Avg
- 71°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 56.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.2"
Student Demographics
The University of Montevallo draws mostly Alabama students who value small classes and personal attention from professors. With 80% coming from in-state, this school has built a strong local reputation over its 150-year history. The student body leans heavily female at 60%, which makes sense given Montevallo's strength in education and liberal arts programs that traditionally attract more women. About 40% receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families looking for quality education at a reasonable price. The diverse mix includes students from rural and urban Alabama communities.
- Men
- 39.8%
- Women
- 60.2%
- White
- 65.6%
- Black
- 16.4%
- Hispanic
- 7.3%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 80.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.0%
Location
Montevallo sits in central Alabama, about 35 miles south of Birmingham. The town has just over 6,000 people and feels like a classic college town where the university drives much of the local activity. Students find themselves in rolling hills and wooded areas that are typical of Alabama's piedmont region. The campus takes up a large portion of the small town, creating a close community feel where most students know each other. About 80.68% of students come from Alabama, giving the school a strong in-state character. The setting offers easy access to Birmingham for internships and entertainment while maintaining a quiet, study-friendly environment. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare University of Montevallo with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Montevallo, Alabama 35115-6000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,957
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,835
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 51.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $254/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $24,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Montevallo?
University of Montevallo accepts 59.84% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school draws primarily from Alabama, with 80.68% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Montevallo cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,053 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $13,806. The school keeps costs manageable as a public liberal arts institution focused on accessible education.
What are the academics like at University of Montevallo?
With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and enrollment of 2,087, classes stay small and personal. The university built its reputation on teacher education programs while maintaining its liberal arts foundation.
How do University of Montevallo graduates fare after college?
Graduates earn a median of $42,957 ten years after graduation, with a 96.7% employment rate. However, only 49.40% complete their degree within six years, reflecting the challenges many students face.
What is campus life like at University of Montevallo?
The campus houses 1,373 students in a small town setting, with 491 student-athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division II sports. Women make up 60.23% of the student body, creating a distinct campus active.
What famous alumni attended University of Montevallo?
Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," graduated from Montevallo, as did actor and singer Jim Nabors. The school's literary tradition continues today through its strong liberal arts programs.
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