Birmingham-Southern College closed in 7/2024 (U.S. Department of Education IPEDS). The data on this page is historical and kept for reference.
Birmingham-Southern College
Acceptance rate
51.9%
2024
Peer median 69.4%
Tuition per year
$22,750
$37,050 with room and board
Peer median $33,770
“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Birmingham-Southern College (BSC), located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a distinguished liberal arts institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. Founded in 1856, BSC emphasizes a strong liberal arts education, encouraging students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with complex societal issues. The college's motto, "The Best of Both Worlds," reflects its dedication to blending rigorous academics with a vibrant campus life. With a focus on small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention from faculty members, many of whom hold advanced degrees and have extensive professional experience in their fields. This close-knit learning environment fosters strong relationships between students and professors, ultimately enhancing the educational experience.
Birmingham-Southern College also offers a diverse array of extracurricular activities that contribute to a rich campus culture. The college has a strong emphasis on community service and encourages students to engage with the surrounding Birmingham community through various volunteer opportunities. The campus is home to numerous student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and athletic teams, promoting a well-rounded student experience. Additionally, BSC's commitment to sustainability is evident in its green initiatives and eco-friendly campus practices. The college's beautiful 192-acre campus, featuring historic buildings and modern facilities, provides an inspiring backdrop for learning and personal growth. With a strong alumni network and a focus on preparing students for successful careers, Birmingham-Southern College is dedicated to developing the leaders of tomorrow.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham-Southern College, a private institution, has shown notable trends in several key performance metrics over the years. One of the most significant observations is the fluctuation in tuition fees, particularly for undergraduate students. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduates increased from approximately $30,690 in 2014 to $34,448 in 2017, reflecting a consistent upward trajectory. However, there was a surprising drop to $17,650 in 2019, which could be indicative of strategic pricing adjustments or financial aid initiatives aimed at attracting more students. This reduction in tuition could have contributed to the increase in student enrollment numbers seen in previous years, although recent data shows a decline in undergraduate enrollment, dropping to 975 students in 2023.
Moreover, the graduation rates and retention rates are also critical indicators of the institution's performance. The on-time graduation rate improved from around 52.9% in 2013 to 64.9% in 2023, showcasing the college’s effective support systems for students. On the other hand, the retention rate saw a decline from 80.6% in 2013 to 77.5% in 2023, suggesting that while more students may be graduating on time, a growing number are choosing not to continue their education at Birmingham-Southern.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates has exhibited fluctuations, illustrating a gradual shift towards a more balanced representation. In 2013, males constituted around 53.2% of the undergraduate population, while by 2023, the male percentage rose to 52.5%. This slight increase in male representation could reflect broader societal trends in enrollment and retention.
In summary, Birmingham-Southern College faces the challenge of maintaining student enrollment while improving retention and graduation rates. The changes in tuition and demographics highlight the college's need to continually adapt to meet the evolving landscape of higher education.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- In Birmingham
- Nearest international airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 7 mi
- Also known as
- BSC
- President
- Mr. Daniel Coleman (President)
- Phone
- 2052264600
- City
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Address
- 900 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35254
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2024
In 2020: men 59.3%, women 49.8%.
Data insights
Trends in Admission Rates and Enrollment at Birmingham-Southern College
The admission data for Birmingham-Southern College reveals significant trends and fluctuations over the years from 2009 to 2023. One of the most notable observations is the overall decline in both male and female admission rates. In 2009, the acceptance rates were relatively high, with approximately 69.5% for males and 68.4% for females. However, by 2023, these figures dropped to about 57.6% for males and 56.8% for females, indicating a more competitive admission process.
The enrollment numbers also reflect these changes, peaking in earlier years but generally declining towards 2023, which could suggest a tightening of admission policies or possibly a decrease in applicant interest. For instance, the college enrolled 451 students in 2009, but by 2021, the enrollment had decreased to just 256 students. This could mirror broader trends in higher education, where institutions face challenges in attracting and retaining students amidst changing demographics and economic factors.
Moreover, the number of students denied admission has consistently increased, reaching a staggering 1,293 denied applicants in 2023. This growing number of denials, coupled with a significant rise in deferred admissions, indicates that the college is becoming increasingly selective, which is aligned with national trends where colleges are looking to maintain or improve their rankings amidst rising competition.
Overall, the data reflects the evolving landscape of college admissions at Birmingham-Southern College, highlighting the challenges both the institution and prospective students face in today's higher education environment.
Test Scores
2024 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 9% submitted SAT, 41% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Admissions Data at Birmingham-Southern College
The admissions data for Birmingham-Southern College over the years reveals noticeable trends in standardized test scores and submission rates. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has progressively declined, from 51% down to just 14% in 2023. This significant drop could reflect a broader trend in higher education, where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores.
Looking at the score ranges, it is evident that while the 25th percentile scores for both SAT reading and mathematics have fluctuated, the 75th percentile scores have generally remained stable or slightly improved over the years. For instance, in 2023, the 25th percentile for SAT reading was 590 and for mathematics was 670, indicating that the college continues to attract high-achieving students, despite the lower submission rates.
The ACT scores show a similar pattern, with the submission rates decreasing but the score ranges remaining robust. This suggests that the institution is maintaining its academic standards while possibly broadening its appeal to a wider range of applicants who may not perform well on standardized tests.
Overall, Birmingham-Southern College appears to be adapting to changing admissions landscapes while still prioritizing academic excellence among its admitted students. As the trend of test-optional admissions continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this impacts the overall enrollment demographics and academic performance of future cohorts.
Cost
2024 cost per year
$37,050
- Undergraduate tuition
- $22,750
- Room and board
- $14,300
- Graduate tuition
- $8,400
Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose -31% from 2016 to 2024; room and board rose 26%.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 108 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 61 | 39 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 27 | 26 |
| Lacrosse | 34 | 15 |
| Soccer | 28 | 21 |
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 17 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Tennis | 14 | 6 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Golf | 9 | 6 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 3.0 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 4.8 mi
U.S. News #191
-
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa · 45.2 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 84.5 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 101.1 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 111.8 mi
U.S. News #208
-
The University of the SouthSewanee · 128.3 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 141.2 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 142.4 mi
U.S. News #29
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Birmingham-Southern College:
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research and healthcare.
-
Samford University - This comprehensive university is ranked 185 and is known for its commitment to providing a Christian environment and a liberal arts education.
-
The University of Alabama - With a rank of 170, this comprehensive university is one of the largest in Alabama and offers a diverse array of programs and a vibrant campus life.
-
Auburn University - Ranked 93, Auburn is a comprehensive university known for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs, along with a spirited campus culture.
-
Vanderbilt University - One of the top-ranked universities at 18, Vanderbilt is a private research university known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
-
Emory University - Ranked 24, Emory is a prestigious university located in Atlanta, offering strong programs in health sciences, business, and liberal arts.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2019–2021
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Birmingham-Southern College
The crime data from Birmingham-Southern College shows a fluctuating trend in reported incidents over the years. Notably, there was a significant spike in 2016, with a crime rate of 38.34 per 1000 students, a stark increase from previous years. This could be indicative of heightened awareness, changes in reporting practices, or an actual rise in criminal activity on or around campus.
Following this peak, the rates began to decline, reaching a low of 7.79 incidents per 1000 students in 2021. This decline may suggest effective measures taken by the college to improve campus safety, potentially including enhanced security protocols, educational programs, or community-building initiatives aimed at reducing crime. However, the subsequent increase in crime rates in 2022 and 2023, with rates of 14.37 and 12.10 respectively, could raise concerns about rising safety issues that need to be addressed.
The types of crimes recorded indicate a mix of serious offenses such as robbery and assault, alongside drug and alcohol-related arrests. The prevalence of these crimes emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety.
It is also important to consider the broader context of campus safety in the United States, where college campuses have been increasingly focused on addressing crime through various initiatives. The data from Birmingham-Southern College serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of campus safety and the importance of continual assessment and improvement in crime prevention strategies.
For a deeper understanding of how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Birmingham-Southern College include Amanda Bearse (Actress, comedian and director), Kate Jackson (Actress known for Charlie's Angels) and Jennifer Hale (Voice actress known for video game roles).
-
Amanda Bearse 1958–
Actress, comedian and director
-
Kate Jackson 1948–
Actress known for Charlie's Angels
-
Jennifer Hale 1972–
Voice actress known for video game roles
-
Nell Carter 1948–2003
American actress and singer
-
Robert Aderholt 1965–
US Representative from Alabama
-
Glenn Shadix 1952–2010
Actor, voice of the Mayor in Nightmare Before Christmas
-
Pat Buttram 1915–1994
Character actor, sidekick of Gene Autry
-
Howell Heflin 1921–2005
US Senator from Alabama, 1979 to 1997
-
Kim Hawthorne 1968–
Actress who began on Broadway and soap operas
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.