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Stillman College

Tuscaloosa, AL Private ยท Urban stillman.edu
Accept Rate
74.22%
Grad Rate
32.6%
Enrollment
761
Tuition
$11,392
Median Salary
$35,421
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Stillman College offers an intimate, close-knit HBCU experience where students are not just numbers but part of a family. The small enrollment of 761 creates a supportive, family-like atmosphere where professors know you by name. It feels like a tight community where you can find your voice and get personalized attention.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

74.22%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Highlight your leadership and community involvement in your application, as Stillman values character and contribution. Given the 74% acceptance rate, ensure your GPA meets the baseline, but know that a compelling personal essay can make a difference. Connect with the admissions office to show your genuine interest, as demonstrated interest can be a plus.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Stillman provides a liberal arts foundation with notable strengths in Business, Education, and Biology. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, teaching quality is high and focused on mentorship. While research opportunities exist, they are typically more accessible through faculty-led projects rather than large-scale university labs.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25.5%
Education
16%
Biology & Biomedical
13.8%
Psychology
12.8%
Criminal Justice
10.6%
Communications
6.4%
English & Literature
3.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.1%
Philosophy & Religion
1.1%
Theology
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

32.6%
Graduation Rate
78.9%
Retention Rate
761
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$11,392
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,272
After financial aid
Total Cost
$23,485
Cost of attendance/year
68.2%
Receive Pell Grants
69.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa offers a classic college town atmosphere heavily influenced by the presence of the University of Alabama, with plenty of local restaurants, parks, and cultural events. Students can enjoy the vibrant downtown area, live music, and easy access to outdoor activities along the Black Warrior River. For major sports fans, the energy of Alabama football weekends is a huge part of the local scene.

Local Rent Check

$909 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Tuscaloosa
Explore Tuscaloosa

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$45,568
$0Est. 4 Years: $45,568

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($35,421):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with an active campus security presence. However, being in an urban setting in Tuscaloosa, students should remain aware of their surroundings and practice standard urban safety precautions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors.
  • โœ“ Strong, supportive HBCU community and family-like atmosphere.
  • โœ“ Affordable private college tuition with significant financial aid options.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Tuscaloosa offers access to city amenities and SEC sports culture.

Cons

  • โœ— The 32.6% graduation rate is significantly below the national average.
  • โœ— Small campus size may limit the variety of student organizations and activities.
  • โœ— Median post-graduation earnings are lower than the national average for bachelor's degree holders.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Carol P. Cook
An accomplished educator and leader who has served as a president of multiple higher education institutions.
J. Offwind
A notable figure in the field of journalism and media, contributing to significant news outlets.
Dr. John H. Smith
A respected academic and leader in the sciences, contributing to biomedical research and education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stillman College is known for its identity as a private, co-educational, historically Black liberal arts college. It has a strong reputation in specific academic areas like Business Administration, Education, and Biology. The college is also recognized for its close-knit community, commitment to service, and preparing students for graduate and professional schools.

No, Stillman College is not hard to get into. With an acceptance rate of 74.22%, it has a moderately selective admissions process. This means that while the college has admission standards, a large majority of applicants who meet the academic requirements are offered admission. A solid GPA and a complete application are key.

Campus life at Stillman is intimate and community-focused due to its small size. Students often describe it as a family environment where it's easy to get involved in student government, Greek life, and other organizations. Because it's located in Tuscaloosa, students also have access to the wider city life and social events of a larger college town.

For students seeking a supportive, private HBCU education without accumulating high debt, Stillman can be a worthwhile investment. The average net price is relatively low, and the financial aid support is robust. However, prospective students should be mindful of the lower average earnings post-graduation and strategically choose a major with strong career prospects to maximize the return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Stillman College Tuscaloosa City Schools DCH Regional Medical Center The University of Alabama Regions Bank
Smart Start Score
40

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 983
  • In-State Tuition $11,392
  • Zip Code 35401

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.5% โ™€ 55.5%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $12,272, Stillman is significantly more affordable than many private institutions. The 10-year median earnings of $35,421 are modest, so the return on investment heavily depends on your major and career path. For students seeking a private college experience without massive debt, the financial value is strong, especially with over 68% of students receiving Pell Grants.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $11,392
Housing (12 mo) $10,908
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $29,500
With avg financial aid:
$12,272/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.