Alabama is home to several notable private colleges and universities that offer a range of academic programs, campus cultures, and opportunities for personal and professional development. These institutions range from small liberal arts colleges to religiously affiliated universities, each with distinct missions and academic offerings.
Samford University
Samford University is one of Alabama’s most well-known private universities, recognized for its Christian-based education, academic rigor, and professional programs. As a comprehensive institution, Samford offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across multiple disciplines.
Overview
- Location: Birmingham, AL
- Founded: 1841
- Enrollment: Around 5,700 students
- Religious Affiliation: Christian (Baptist tradition)
Academic Programs
Samford University offers more than 170 majors, minors, and concentrations through various schools and colleges. The institution focuses on integrating faith with learning and is known for its strong professional programs.
- Schools and Colleges:
- Howard College of Arts and Sciences
- Brock School of Business
- Cumberland School of Law
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy
- Beeson Divinity School
- Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
- Popular Majors:
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Education
Campus and Facilities
Samford is renowned for its beautiful Georgian-Colonial architecture and well-maintained campus. The university invests heavily in facilities that support both academic and extracurricular activities.
- Notable Facilities:
- Brock School of Business: A state-of-the-art facility for business students.
- Beeson Divinity School: Offers theological studies and houses a large theological library.
- Pete Hanna Center: A hub for student recreation, fitness, and athletic events.
Student Life
Samford offers a vibrant campus life where students can grow spiritually, academically, and socially.
- Greek Life: About 46% of students participate in fraternities and sororities.
- Service and Faith: Faith-based activities and service projects are integral to student life.
- Athletics: NCAA Division I in the Southern Conference, excelling in basketball, football, and soccer.
Notable Alumni
- Bobby Bowden: Legendary college football coach.
- Robert Bentley: Former Governor of Alabama.
Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) is a small liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has a reputation for academic excellence, community service, and a focus on developing ethical leaders. BSC is known for providing a highly personalized education with small class sizes and a close student-faculty ratio.
Overview
- Location: Birmingham, AL
- Founded: 1856
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students
- Religious Affiliation: United Methodist Church
Academic Programs
As a liberal arts college, BSC offers a wide variety of academic disciplines that emphasize critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and leadership.
- Majors:
- Business
- Biology
- Psychology
- Environmental Studies
- Theater
- Unique Offerings:
- Exploration Term (E-Term), where students design their own course of study or engage in internships and service-learning opportunities.
Campus and Facilities
BSC’s 192-acre campus provides a serene environment conducive to academic and personal growth.
- Notable Facilities:
- Stephens Science Center: Advanced labs for research in the natural sciences.
- Norton Campus Center: Central hub for student activities and organizations.
- Fine Arts Center: Equipped with performance spaces, art studios, and galleries.
Student Life
BSC offers a tight-knit campus community with opportunities for leadership and engagement in numerous extracurricular activities.
- Greek Life: About half of the student body participates in Greek organizations.
- Service Learning: Community engagement is a central part of the curriculum, with many students participating in local and international service projects.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III sports, competing in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA).
Notable Alumni
- Jeanne Shaheen: U.S. Senator from New Hampshire.
- Michael E. Rogers: Actor and filmmaker.
Huntingdon College
Huntingdon College, located in Montgomery, is a private liberal arts college with strong Methodist roots. Known for its personalized educational experience, Huntingdon provides students with a close-knit community that emphasizes leadership, service, and character development.
Overview
- Location: Montgomery, AL
- Founded: 1854
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,100 students
- Religious Affiliation: United Methodist Church
Academic Programs
Huntingdon offers a range of undergraduate programs that promote well-rounded, liberal arts education, with a focus on developing leadership and service-oriented graduates.
- Majors:
- Business Administration
- Biology
- History
- Psychology
- Religion
Campus and Facilities
Huntingdon’s historic campus is known for its Gothic Revival architecture and red-brick buildings.
- Notable Facilities:
- Flowers Hall: Houses academic classrooms and faculty offices.
- Roland Student Center: The central hub for student life, dining, and organizations.
- Seay Twins Art Center: Dedicated space for the fine and performing arts, including music and theater performances.
Student Life
Huntingdon College emphasizes a faith-based community, leadership development, and a commitment to service.
- Greek Life: Roughly 20% of students participate in Greek organizations.
- Service Projects: Service is embedded in the culture, with numerous volunteer opportunities and mission trips.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III with varsity teams in football, basketball, soccer, and more.
Notable Alumni
- Jeff Sessions: Former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator from Alabama.
- William D. Sellers: Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
Spring Hill College
Spring Hill College, located in Mobile, is a private, Jesuit, Catholic college that is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama and one of the oldest Catholic colleges in the United States. Known for its commitment to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—Spring Hill combines a rigorous academic program with a focus on leadership and service.
Overview
- Location: Mobile, AL
- Founded: 1830
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,300 students
- Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic (Jesuit tradition)
Academic Programs
Spring Hill offers a broad range of liberal arts and professional degrees. Its Jesuit tradition emphasizes academic excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
- Popular Majors:
- Nursing
- Business
- Communication Arts
- Theology
- Education
Campus and Facilities
Situated on a picturesque 400-acre hilltop, Spring Hill College provides a beautiful setting for student life and academic pursuits.
- Notable Facilities:
- St. Joseph Chapel: The spiritual center of campus, offering daily Mass and spiritual guidance.
- Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center: A modern facility with fitness and recreational resources for students.
- Burke Memorial Library: A comprehensive academic library with resources for research and study.
Student Life
Spring Hill College prides itself on cultivating a strong community with a focus on leadership, ethics, and service.
- Service Opportunities: Students participate in numerous service-learning opportunities, both locally and globally, embodying the Jesuit mission of “men and women for others.”
- Campus Ministry: Religious life plays a central role on campus, offering retreats, community service, and opportunities for spiritual growth.
- Athletics: Competes in the NAIA’s Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), offering sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Notable Alumni
- Jeremiah Denton: Former U.S. Senator and Vietnam War POW.
- Bob Pettit: Hall of Fame basketball player.
Faulkner University
Faulkner University is a private Christian university located in Montgomery, affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The university is known for its commitment to Christian values, academic excellence, and service. Faulkner offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and is particularly well-regarded for its law school.
Overview
- Location: Montgomery, AL
- Founded: 1942
- Enrollment: Approximately 3,000 students
- Religious Affiliation: Churches of Christ
Academic Programs
Faulkner offers a variety of degree programs that integrate faith with education, ensuring students receive a comprehensive Christian worldview in their studies.
- Schools and Colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- Jones School of Law
- College of Biblical Studies
- Popular Majors:
- Biblical Studies
- Law
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
Campus and Facilities
Faulkner’s suburban campus in Montgomery offers a peaceful learning environment, with facilities supporting both academic and extracurricular activities.
- Notable Facilities:
- Gus Nichols Library: Features a large collection of theological texts and academic resources.
- Jones School of Law: A respected law school with a law library and courtroom spaces for student training.
- Vaughn Auditorium: Hosts campus events, lectures, and performances.
Student Life
Faulkner places a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, community engagement, and leadership.
- Christian Activities: Students are encouraged to participate in Bible study groups, campus ministry, and mission trips.
- Service Opportunities: Service projects and community outreach are central to student life, with numerous opportunities to engage in volunteer work.
- Athletics: NAIA member, competing in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) in sports like football, basketball, and baseball.
Notable Alumni
- Steve Marshall: Attorney General of Alabama.
- Michael E. Ball: State Representative.
Judson College
Judson College, located in Marion, Alabama, is one of the nation’s oldest women’s colleges, founded in 1838. It has a strong Baptist tradition and a mission focused on empowering women through a faith-based, liberal arts education. Judson College emphasizes leadership, service, and the development of women both academically and spiritually.
Overview
- Location: Marion, AL
- Founded: 1838
- Enrollment: Approximately 250 students
- Religious Affiliation: Baptist
Academic Programs
Judson College offers a wide array of liberal arts majors with an emphasis on leadership, critical thinking, and service.
- Popular Majors:
- Education
- Biology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Business
Campus and Facilities
Judson’s historic campus, featuring antebellum architecture, provides a unique and serene environment for student life.
- Notable Facilities:
- Jewett Hall: A central academic building housing classrooms and administrative offices.
- Alumnae Auditorium: Hosts performances, guest speakers, and community events.
Student Life
Judson’s small student body fosters a close community where women can grow personally and academically while developing leadership skills.
- Service Learning: Students are encouraged to participate in community outreach and mission trips as part of their educational experience.
- Clubs and Organizations: Opportunities for involvement in leadership groups, academic societies, and religious organizations.
Athletics
Judson College offers NCAA Division III athletics, with a focus on promoting physical fitness and teamwork among women.
Notable Alumni
- Annie Webb Blanton: Founder of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
Miles College
Miles College is a historically black liberal arts college (HBCU) located in Fairfield, near Birmingham. It is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and is known for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and leadership development. Miles plays a significant role in preparing African-American students for leadership roles in various professional fields.
Overview
- Location: Fairfield, AL (near Birmingham)
- Founded: 1898
- Enrollment: Around 1,500 students
- Religious Affiliation: Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Academic Programs
Miles College offers a range of liberal arts and professional degrees with a focus on critical thinking, community service, and leadership.
- Popular Majors:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Political Science
- Social Work
Campus and Facilities
Miles College’s campus, situated in a suburban area near Birmingham, provides students with a welcoming and supportive environment for learning and personal growth.
- Notable Facilities:
- Pearson Hall: A central academic building for lectures and seminars.
- Brown Hall: Student union and activity center that hosts student events and social gatherings.
Student Life
As an HBCU, Miles College emphasizes a strong sense of community, cultural identity, and leadership development.
- Greek Life: A variety of fraternities and sororities offer opportunities for social engagement and leadership.
- Civic Engagement: Students are encouraged to get involved in social justice initiatives and community service projects.
- Athletics: Competes in the NCAA Division II, offering sports like football, basketball, and track.
Notable Alumni
- Bennett M. Stewart: Former U.S. Congressman.
- Autherine Lucy Foster: Civil rights activist and first African-American student to attend the University of Alabama.