Miles College
Tuition per year
$13,314
$20,662 with room and board
Peer median $33,770
Undergraduates
1,180
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
15.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 26.4%
Peer median 45.1%
“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Miles College, located in Fairfield, Alabama, is a historically black college that has been a cornerstone of higher education in the region since its establishment in 1898. The college is known for its commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, encapsulated in its motto, "Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve." This guiding principle reflects the institution's emphasis on cultivating not only knowledgeable scholars but also community-oriented leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
The college boasts a diverse range of academic programs, particularly excelling in areas such as business administration, education, and the sciences. With a strong focus on student development, Miles College provides state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. The vibrant campus culture is enriched by various student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural events, promoting a sense of community and belonging among students. Furthermore, Miles College takes pride in its dedicated faculty, who are committed to providing quality education and mentorship, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the workforce and community engagement upon completion of their studies.
Analysis of Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention at Miles College
Miles College, a private institution, has experienced notable trends in tuition costs and student demographics over the years. Tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students rose gradually from $11,046 in 2014 to $12,714 in 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 15% over the decade. This trend aligns with national patterns where tuition costs have outpaced inflation, making higher education increasingly unaffordable for many families. The rising costs may contribute to declining enrollment numbers; the college saw a decrease in undergraduate students from 1,691 in 2013 to just 1,258 in 2023.
Graduation rates present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was notably low, starting at 12.1% in 2013 and fluctuating before reaching 14.2% in 2023. While this is an improvement, it remains concerningly low compared to national averages, indicating that many students may struggle to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe. The 150% graduation rate, which considers students who take longer to graduate, also shows slight fluctuations but does not demonstrate significant improvement over the years.
Retention rates, however, have shown a positive trend, increasing from 51.6% in 2013 to approximately 57.4% in 2023. This improvement suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their education at Miles College, which is a promising indicator of student satisfaction and institutional support.
Overall, while Miles College has made strides in retaining students, the challenges of rising tuition costs and low graduation rates warrant further attention. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution to enhance its academic reputation and ensure that its students can successfully navigate their educational journeys.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a large city
- Nearest major city
- Birmingham, about 7 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 10 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Christian Methodist Episcopal
- President
- Bobbie Knight (President)
- Phone
- 20592910001645
- Address
- 5500 Myron Massey Blvd, Fairfield, AL 35064-2621
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Miles College
The graduation data from Miles College in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the distribution of degrees awarded across various fields of study. Business-related programs dominate the statistics, with the highest number of graduates obtaining bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Management, as well as other related disciplines. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for business professionals in a rapidly evolving job market, highlighting the significance of practical skills and management expertise in today’s economy.
Interestingly, the data shows that there were no international students graduating from any program, indicating potential barriers to entry for international scholars or a lack of recruitment efforts that could enhance the diversity of the student body. This absence is particularly striking in popular fields such as Business, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice, where international representation could enrich the learning environment and offer varied perspectives.
Moreover, the low numbers in the education sector, particularly in teacher education programs, raise concerns about the future of education. As many educators are nearing retirement age, the dwindling interest in teaching degrees may exacerbate the existing teacher shortage, especially in critical areas like STEM and early childhood education.
In conclusion, while the strong graduation rates in business-related fields reflect current labor market demands, the lack of international student involvement and low participation in teacher education programs present challenges that need to be addressed for the college to remain competitive and relevant in the coming years.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $35,113 | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Accounting and Business/Management. | - | |
| Management Information Systems, General. | - | |
| Actuarial Science. | - | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $39,207 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - | |
| English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | - | |
| Biology Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
1,180 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 51:49 · Freshman retention 56.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 847
- First-year undergraduates 176
- Transfers and others 157
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,180)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Composition at Miles College in 2023
The student composition data from Miles College for 2023 reveals interesting insights into the demographics of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 296, with a fairly balanced gender ratio where males constitute 50.3% and females 49.7%. This suggests a welcoming environment for both genders at the onset of their college journey.
However, the situation shifts for upperclassmen, where the number of students reaches 843, but the gender ratios show a significant difference with males making up only 43.5% compared to 56.5% females. This disparity raises questions about retention rates and engagement strategies for male students, especially as they progress through their academic careers.
The data also indicates that transfer students number 118, with a gender ratio of 44.9% males and 55.1% females. This trend aligns with the upperclassmen statistics, further highlighting a potential trend of declining male representation as students advance in their studies.
Additionally, the representation of various ethnic backgrounds among these categories is crucial for understanding the diversity within the college. While specific numbers for these subgroups are not fully disclosed, the available data reflects a college environment that potentially embraces a mix of cultural backgrounds.
Overall, the findings suggest that while Miles College attracts a diverse student body, there are noticeable shifts in gender representation as students progress from freshmen to upperclassmen. Addressing this imbalance may require targeted outreach and support programs for male students to enhance their college experience and retention.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Miles College
The age composition of students at Miles College reveals interesting insights into the demographics of the student body. The largest age group is 18-19 years old, where there are 210 male undergraduates and 289 female undergraduates, accounting for approximately 36% of the total student population. This significant representation of traditional college-aged students aligns with national trends where universities often see a majority of their enrollments from this age cohort.
As we move into the 20-21 age bracket, the numbers remain substantial, with 239 male and 233 female undergraduates. This age group comprises about 31% of the total student body. However, a noticeable decline is observed in the 22-24 age range, where there are 180 male undergraduates and only 134 female undergraduates, indicating a potential drop-off as students progress in their studies.
The data also highlights a smaller representation of students aged 25 and older, with a gradual decrease in numbers as the age increases. For instance, only 48 male and 76 female students fall into the 25-29 age group, which indicates that non-traditional students are less prevalent at Miles College.
This age distribution reflects a common trend in higher education, where younger students dominate enrollment figures. The lack of graduate students in the dataset suggests that Miles College may focus more on undergraduate programs, which could be a strategic decision to foster a vibrant campus environment. Overall, the demographics provide a clear picture of the youthful landscape at Miles College, emphasizing the institution's role in supporting traditional college-age individuals in their pursuit of higher education.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Students at Miles College
The data for Miles College reveals a consistent trend regarding the presence of international students in undergraduate programs during the years 2005 and 2006. Notably, the total number of undergraduate students in 2005 was 1,715, with only one international student, resulting in a mere 0.06% of the undergraduate population. This situation remained unchanged in 2006, where the total number of undergraduates slightly increased to 1,758, but the international student count remained at one.
This low representation of international students raises questions about the college's outreach and appeal to non-domestic students. In comparison with national trends in higher education, where many institutions are striving to increase their international student enrollment, Miles College appears to lag behind. According to data from the Institute of International Education, many universities across the United States have seen significant growth in their international student populations, often exceeding 20% of total enrollment.
The lack of graduate student data from these years further complicates the picture, as it is unclear whether Miles College has made efforts to attract graduate-level international students. Given the growing global competition among educational institutions, it is essential for Miles College to consider strategies to enhance its international student enrollment, such as developing partnerships with foreign universities, improving marketing efforts, and offering programs that cater to diverse student needs. Increasing the diversity of the student body can enrich the educational experience for all students and foster a more globally aware campus environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$20,662
- Undergraduate tuition
- $13,314
- Room and board
- $7,348
Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 4%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$32.1M
Expenses$28.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 99 | - |
| Baseball | 49 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 16 |
| Cross Country | 18 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Golf | 12 | - |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 126 | - |
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Cross Country | 20 | 12 |
| Basketball | 16 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 26 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 19 |
| Volleyball | - | 18 |
| Golf | 9 | - |
| NCAA Division II with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 119 | - |
| Basketball | 23 | 15 |
| Baseball | 34 | - |
| Softball | - | 25 |
| Cross Country | 15 | 7 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | - | 21 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Golf | 10 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham · 6.5 mi
U.S. News #137
-
Samford UniversityBirmingham · 6.9 mi
U.S. News #191
-
The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa · 41.3 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Alabama--HuntsvilleHuntsville · 87.2 mi
U.S. News #262
-
Auburn UniversityAuburn · 102.4 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State · 108.5 mi
U.S. News #208
-
The University of the SouthSewanee · 131.7 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 144.8 mi
Liberal Arts #34
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 146.0 mi
U.S. News #29
Data insights
Here are some notable schools nearby Miles College:
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Ranked 142, Type: Comprehensive University) - UAB is known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings, attracting a vibrant student body.
-
Samford University (Ranked 185, Type: Comprehensive University) - This private Christian university offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a strong liberal arts education.
-
The University of Alabama (Ranked 170, Type: Comprehensive University) - A flagship university in the state, it is known for its strong programs in areas such as business, law, and engineering.
-
Auburn University (Ranked 93, Type: Comprehensive University) - Located in Auburn, Alabama, this university is recognized for its engineering, business, and agricultural programs.
-
Vanderbilt University (Ranked 18, Type: Comprehensive University) - A prestigious university in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt is renowned for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.
-
Emory University (Ranked 24, Type: Comprehensive University) - Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory is well-known for its research output and health-related programs.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus (Ranked 33, Type: Comprehensive University) - A leading technological university, Georgia Tech offers strong engineering and computer science programs.
-
Spelman College (Ranked 39, Type: Liberal Arts College) - This historically Black women's college in Atlanta is celebrated for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.
These institutions represent a variety of academic disciplines and provide numerous opportunities for collaboration, research, and cultural exchange in the region.
Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Miles College
The crime data from Miles College over the years presents a concerning trend, particularly in the escalation of crime rates observed in the mid-2010s. Starting with a relatively low rate of 9.46 per 1,000 students in 2013, there was a marked increase in subsequent years, peaking at 24.84 per 1,000 students in 2017. This spike can be attributed to a variety of factors, including possible changes in campus safety policies, student population dynamics, or even an increase in reported incidents as awareness of crime reporting improved.
Interestingly, after 2017, there was a noticeable decline in the crime rate, dipping to 5.26 per 1,000 students in 2022. This reduction is a positive sign, suggesting that the college may have implemented effective measures to enhance campus safety and reduce criminal activities. However, the data for 2023 indicates a sharp rise again to 18.44 per 1,000 students, signaling ongoing challenges that the institution must address.
Specific types of incidents, such as gun-related arrests and drug-related offenses, warrant further scrutiny. The fluctuation in these figures could reflect broader societal issues, as college campuses often mirror trends observed in surrounding communities. It is crucial for Miles College to continue evaluating its safety protocols and engage with students about crime prevention strategies to create a safer environment.
Overall, while there have been both highs and lows in crime rates at Miles College, the institution's response to these trends will be vital in shaping the future safety and security for its students. Understanding and addressing the root causes of crime on campus is essential for fostering a conducive educational atmosphere. For more information on calculating crime rates, refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Miles College include Autherine Lucy (First Black student at the University of Alabama), Bennett M. Stewart (Former U.S. Representative from Illinois) and Thales McReynolds (NBA player for the Baltimore Bullets).
-
Autherine Lucy 1929–2022
First Black student at the University of Alabama
-
Bennett M. Stewart 1912–1988
Former U.S. Representative from Illinois
-
Thales McReynolds 1943–1988
NBA player for the Baltimore Bullets
-
Cleopatra Tucker 1943–
New Jersey General Assembly member
-
Bernard Kincaid 1945–
Former mayor of Birmingham, Alabama
-
U. W. Clemon 1943–
Former federal district judge in Alabama
Recent News at Miles College
Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.
-
Miles College hosted summer programming including dual-track STEM and Literacy camps featuring inquiry-based activities for middle school students, alongside professional development institutes and dual enrollment courses.
Source: miles.edu
No updates on this topic in this month.
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.