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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Stillman College

Tuscaloosa, Alabama · stillman.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

62.2%

2025

Peer median 69.4%

Tuition per year

$12,126

$21,766 with room and board

Peer median $33,770

Undergraduates

731

Student-faculty ratio 13:1

Peer median 11 : 1

Graduation rate

7.2%

4-year; 6-year rate 24.8%

Peer median 45.1%

“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Stillman College, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a historically Black college that has been a beacon of education and opportunity since its establishment in 1876. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and emphasizes a holistic educational experience rooted in Christian values. One of the distinguishing features of Stillman College is its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, which not only enriches the academic experience but also prepares students to thrive in a multicultural society. The college's motto, "The Future is Ours," encapsulates its mission to empower students through education and leadership development.

The campus culture at Stillman College is vibrant, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and student involvement. The college offers various extracurricular activities, including athletics, student organizations, and cultural events that celebrate the rich heritage of its student body. Stillman’s academic programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in liberal arts and professional studies, preparing them for successful careers and graduate studies. The faculty at Stillman is dedicated and experienced, focusing on personalized education and mentorship to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. Furthermore, the college's location in Tuscaloosa provides students with access to a dynamic city life and opportunities for internships and employment in various sectors. Overall, Stillman College stands out as an institution that not only champions academic excellence but also nurtures the personal and social growth of its students.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Stillman College

Stillman College, a private institution, has shown notable trends in tuition, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention over the years. One significant observation is the fluctuation in tuition fees. From 2014 to 2016, there was a major drop in undergraduate tuition from $15,865 to $10,418, which may have made the college more accessible to students during that period. However, since 2016, tuition has gradually increased, reaching $11,392 in 2024. This upward trend in tuition could potentially impact future enrollment figures, especially considering the rising costs of higher education nationally.

Enrollment numbers have been inconsistent, peaking at 1,056 in 2015 but dropping significantly to just 628 in 2017. This decline in student population raises concerns about the college's attractiveness and may signal broader issues regarding student retention and institutional support. The latest figures indicate a slight recovery, with 744 undergraduates in 2023, but this remains significantly lower than previous years.

Graduation rates have also presented a worrying picture. The on-time graduation rate has fluctuated, with a concerning low of 8.25% in 2019. Although there was a recovery to around 19% in 2022, the college must focus on improving these rates to enhance its reputation and support for graduating students.

Retention rates have varied, with a high of 67.8% in 2019 but a troubling drop to 39.7% in 2017. However, recent years show a stabilization around 63% to 64%, which is critical for maintaining student enrollment and graduation success.

In conclusion, while Stillman College has made strides in some areas, it faces challenges in tuition management, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention. Addressing these issues will be vital for its future sustainability and growth in the competitive landscape of higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
Birmingham, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), about 50 mi
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)
President
Yolanda W. Page (President)
Phone
2053494240
City
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Address
3601 Stillman Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
57.3%
Women
65.0%

In 2020: men 38.8%, women 35.5%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at Stillman College

The admission data from Stillman College over the years reveals significant trends in both acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. In 2009, the college had an acceptance rate of approximately 42% for male applicants and 47% for female applicants, with a total enrollment of 445 students. This figure fluctuated over the years, reaching its peak in 2022 when the acceptance rates soared to 77.8% for males and 74.9% for females, resulting in an enrollment of 134 students.
The overall trend indicates a noticeable increase in acceptance rates, particularly from 2019 onwards, which may suggest a strategic shift in the college's admissions approach. The substantial rise in acceptance rates could be a response to a broader trend in higher education where institutions seek to bolster enrollment amidst declining numbers of high school graduates in certain regions.
However, the total number of enrollees has not consistently kept pace with the increasing acceptance rates. For instance, while the acceptance rates peaked in 2022, the enrollment numbers remained relatively low compared to earlier years. This discrepancy raises questions about the college's appeal and the effectiveness of its recruitment strategies.
Furthermore, the data indicates a consistent number of denied and deferred applicants, suggesting that Stillman College continues to attract a significant number of applicants, even as the college works to maintain a balance in its enrollment strategy. Overall, the insights derived from this data highlight the dynamic landscape of college admissions and the ongoing challenges faced by institutions in attracting and retaining students.

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Stillman College

The data from Stillman College over the years reveals a clear trend in the submission and performance of standardized test scores among admitted students. Notably, the number of SAT and ACT submissions has fluctuated significantly, with the percentage of applicants submitting these scores showing a declining trend. For instance, in 2007, 18% of applicants submitted SAT scores, which dramatically decreased to just 8% by 2023. This decline could reflect broader changes in college admissions policies where more institutions are adopting test-optional practices, allowing students to focus on other aspects of their applications.

Looking at the scores themselves, there is a notable variation in the SAT reading and math results over the years. The range for the 25th to 75th percentile scores indicates a level of inconsistency, with some years showing higher starting and ending scores than others, suggesting fluctuations in both applicant quality and test performance. For example, the SAT reading scores ranged from a low of 350 to a high of 400 in different years, indicating varying levels of preparedness among the admitted students.

Moreover, the data shows that while the number of test-takers has decreased, those who are applying may be facing increasingly competitive environments elsewhere, as many colleges and universities are shifting focus towards holistic admissions processes that evaluate students beyond just test scores. This evolution in admissions strategy may be influencing student behavior and perceptions regarding the necessity of standardized tests.

Overall, Stillman College's data illustrates not only the changing landscape of admissions testing but also raises questions about the implications of these trends for future admissions cycles and the academic preparedness of incoming students.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 6 in 10

3,094 applicants in 2025, 62.2% admitted

1,926 admitted 1,168 not admitted Yield 7.7%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's1212 international (1.7%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business/Commerce, General
29
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
19
Psychology, General
19
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other
15
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
11
General Studies
10
Music Performance, General
5
Journalism
4
Elementary Education and Teaching
3
Mathematics, General
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Stillman College

The graduation data from Stillman College in 2023 highlights several trends and key observations in various fields. Notably, the Business/Commerce program stands out with 24 graduates, indicating a strong interest in business-related studies, which aligns with current job market demands for skilled professionals in this sector. The prominence of this program suggests that students are increasingly recognizing the value of business education in a competitive economic landscape.

In the sciences, Biology/Biological Sciences produced 13 graduates, reinforcing the growing importance of life sciences in higher education. This aligns with global trends where biology-related fields are gaining traction, particularly in health and environmental sectors, which are crucial in addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and public health crises.

Psychology, with 12 graduates, reflects a sustained interest in mental health awareness and the increasing demand for psychological services. This is particularly relevant in light of recent discussions surrounding mental health, which have gained significant attention in recent years, driven by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interestingly, fields such as Mathematics, Chemistry, and History did not produce any graduates this year. This could signal a need for curriculum reevaluation or increased support to attract students to these disciplines, which are essential for a well-rounded education system.

Moreover, the data shows that international students contributed minimally to the graduation figures, with only one international student graduating in the Business program. This raises questions about the college's appeal to international scholars and suggests potential areas for improvement in recruitment strategies to diversify the student body.

Overall, the graduation data from Stillman College not only reflects the current educational focus but also serves as a bellwether for future academic and professional trends in the United States.

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

Businesshas 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Business/Commerce, General.$30,782
Educationhas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Elementary Education and Teaching.-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.$36,013
Psychology has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Psychology, General.$28,464
Homeland security has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other.-
Biologyhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$19,729
Liberal arts has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
General Studies.-
Visual and Performing artshas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Music Performance, General.-
Communication has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Journalism.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
Mathematics, General.-
History has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
History, General.-
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnder
English Language and Literature, General.-

Students

731 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 52.8%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (731)

Black
644 · 88.1%
White
46 · 6.3%
International
23 · 3.1%
Unknown
12 · 1.6%
Hispanic
2 · 0.3%
Asian
1 · 0.1%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Stillman College in 2023

The student demographics at Stillman College for the year 2023 reflect a diverse and vibrant community. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 149 students, with a notable gender distribution where 45.6% are male and 54.4% are female, indicating a slightly higher enrollment of females in this category. This trend continues among undergraduate juniors, where the total enrollment reaches 510 students, with 42.7% male and 57.3% female, showcasing a consistent pattern of female predominance in undergraduate programs.

In contrast, the undergraduate transfer students present a different picture with 68 students, where 55.9% are male and 44.1% are female, demonstrating a shift towards a male majority in this group. The overall gender ratios across these categories suggest a dynamic and evolving student body, with females generally leading in the freshman and junior classes, while males have a stronger presence among transfer students.

Interestingly, there are 17 students categorized as non-degree seeking, predominantly female at 76.5%. This could reflect various motivations for attending college outside of a traditional degree path, potentially including personal enrichment or professional development.

The data on subspecies of the student population reveals a variety of ethnic backgrounds; however, specific details on these demographics remain undefined for the junior and transfer students. The overall composition hints at an inclusive environment, which is increasingly vital in today’s educational landscape. As institutions aim for diversity, Stillman College appears to be making strides in fostering a rich multicultural community, although further insights into specific ethnic representation would provide a clearer picture of this diversity.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Stillman College

The age distribution of students at Stillman College reveals a youthful demographic, particularly concentrated among the younger age groups. Notably, the majority of the undergraduate students fall within the 18-21 age range, with 35 males and 51 females aged 18-19, and 103 males and 111 females aged 20-21. This suggests that the college attracts a significant number of traditional college-age students, which aligns with broader trends in higher education, where institutions often see higher enrollment figures among younger populations.

The data indicates a notable absence of graduate male students, which raises questions regarding the gender balance and the overall appeal of graduate programs at the institution. However, the female graduate representation is also missing, as there are no recorded graduate students of either gender, highlighting a potential area for growth in graduate offerings.

Interestingly, the data shows a decline in student numbers as age increases beyond 24 years. For instance, only 42 males and 28 females are in the 25-29 age category, which further diminishes in older categories. This trend could reflect societal shifts where younger individuals are prioritizing higher education earlier in life or may indicate barriers for older adults seeking to return to school, such as financial constraints or family obligations.

Overall, Stillman College’s age distribution underscores a vibrant and youthful academic environment while simultaneously suggesting the need for targeted strategies to attract and support older students, particularly for graduate programs. Such efforts could enhance diversity and enrich the educational experience for all students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates3.1%

23 in 2025 · 1.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.6%2017: 0.2%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 3.6%2025: 3.1%
2016Peer median 3.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Stillman College

The data regarding international student enrollment at Stillman College reveals some intriguing trends over the years. From 2004 to 2017, the number of undergraduate students fluctuated significantly, with the total enrollment peaking in 2004 at 1,200 students and declining to 628 by 2017. This overall decrease in total student numbers might reflect broader trends in higher education, such as changing demographics and economic factors affecting student enrollment across the United States.

Interestingly, the proportion of international students within the undergraduate population has shown variability as well. In 2004, international students made up only 0.33% of the total undergraduate body, but this figure rose to a peak of 1.56% in 2016, before dropping back to 0.16% in 2017. This fluctuation suggests that while there was a brief increase in the attractiveness of Stillman College to international students, possibly due to improved recruitment efforts or changes in academic programs, the subsequent decline might indicate challenges in maintaining that momentum or competition from other institutions.

The absence of data on graduate student enrollment during these years presents a gap in understanding the full picture of international students at Stillman College. The trends observed in undergraduate enrollment could mirror the graduate level, particularly as many institutions are seeing increases in international graduate enrollments, influenced by globalization and the demand for advanced degrees.

Overall, the data highlights the need for ongoing assessment of recruitment strategies and support systems for international students at Stillman College to enhance their appeal and ensure sustainable growth in this demographic.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$21,766

Undergraduate tuition
$12,126
Room and board
$9,640
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 16% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 37%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$19.7M

Government grants and contracts
$8.7M44.3%
Tuition and fees
$6.5M32.8%
Gifts and private grants
$2.3M11.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.6M8.2%
Investment return
$627K3.2%

Expenses$20.9M

Institutional support
$11.0M52.5%
Instruction
$3.9M18.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.9M13.7%
Student services
$2.4M11.4%
Academic support
$783K3.7%

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.

All faculty
$55,535peers $65,931
Professor
$42,975peers $77,501
Associate professor
$68,786peers $68,234
Assistant professor
$48,118peers $61,725
Instructor
$45,834peers $53,914

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Gulf Coast Athletic Conference

Gulf Coast Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NAIA Division I MENWOMEN
Baseball45-
Basketball1519
Track and Field (Outdoor)157
Softball-19
Cross Country96
Volleyball-14
Bowling75
2024
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball35-
Basketball1614
Track and Field (Outdoor)167
Softball-21
Cross Country108
Bowling75
Volleyball-11
2023
NAIA Division IMENWOMEN
Baseball33-
Basketball1413
Softball-26
Volleyball-18
Track and Field (Outdoor)98
Cross Country95
Bowling55

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near Stillman College:

  1. The University of Alabama - Ranked 170 in the 2024 US News report, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Samford University - With a ranking of 185, this comprehensive university is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts and professional programs.

  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Ranked 142, UAB is recognized for its research and healthcare programs, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

  4. Auburn University - This comprehensive university ranks 93 and is known for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs.

  5. Spelman College - A prestigious women's liberal arts college, Spelman is ranked 39 and is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.

  6. Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18, this elite private research university is known for its strong programs in education, law, and medicine.

These institutions contribute significantly to the academic landscape of the region and offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
16
Aggravated assault
7
Drug referrals
5
Robbery
3
Dating violence
3
Rape
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trends in Crime Rates at Stillman College

The crime statistics at Stillman College over the years present a fluctuating picture of campus safety. In 2013, the crime rate was notably high at 7.85 incidents per 1,000 students, which is indicative of a challenging environment. However, the following years saw a significant drop, with crime rates plummeting to an unprecedented low of 0.00 in both 2015 and 2016. This decline could reflect enhanced safety measures and increased awareness among the student body.

The year 2017 marked a resurgence in crime, with the rate spiking to 19.11 per 1,000 students. This increase raises questions about the factors contributing to such a sharp rise, including potential changes in campus policies or student behavior. The subsequent years showed some recovery, with crime rates hovering around 4.21 to 10.92 before settling at 14.25 in 2023.

Each type of crime reported, from gun arrests to domestic violence, contributes to the overall perception of safety on campus. The data suggests a need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety. As we consider these statistics, it is essential to link them with broader conversations about crime prevention and community engagement within educational institutions. For further insights on crime rate calculation, refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Stillman College include Jeff Henderson (Long jumper, 2015 Pan Am Games champion), William Henry Sheppard (Presbyterian missionary who exposed Congo atrocities) and Brian Witherspoon (Former NFL cornerback and return specialist).

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.