High quality education at an affordable cost

There is a thing at Birmingham-Southern called 'Southern Care. It has been a part of the college's educational experience throughout its history. The care that the faculty, staff, and alumni of this college have shown for its students over many generations is extraordinary and powerful. It is what sets this community apart from other college campuses in America.

'Southern Care manifests itself in many ways. One of these is the college's commitment to always provide the highest quality liberal arts education at an affordable cost. There always has been a partnership between Birmingham-Southern and its students and their parents to remain affordable, and it will always remain that way. Students at the belltower

Most all colleges will say they care, but caring is measured more by actions than by words. Here is what that means at Birmingham-Southern:

Four-Year Guarantee

Birmingham-Southern offers a Four-Year Graduation Guarantee
to all its students

A Birmingham-Southern student is more than twice as likely—and in some instances three times as likely—to graduate in four years than a student at a top four-year institution in Alabama or across the South. That fifth year of study at a public college or university could cost you as much as $55,000, and here's why. Because of the strength of the college's academic advising, a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, and careful planning of annual course offerings, students are guaranteed to graduate within four years if they satisfy certain guidelines. If we fail to offer courses required for a specific major or an academic advising error leads to the necessity for an additional course or courses in the fifth year, the college will cover the cost of tuition plus any course fees. Because the average student only pays about half of the annual cost of attending BSC after institutional scholarships, a Birmingham-Southern student already is likely to pay $10,000 less in actual out-of-pocket costs over a college career at a state public college without such institutional aid. Factor in a conservative estimated $25,000 in working income lost while attending a fifth year of college, and our Four-Year Guarantee could save you as much as $55,000.

Four-Year Graduation Rates
	2006	2005	2004	2003	2002
Birmingham-Southern College	60.3%	59.8%	64.0%	63.3%	65.8%
University of Alabama	36.0%	35.3%	33.0%	33.4%	36.3%
Auburn University	33.1%	32.2%	33.6%	37.1%	40.2%
Troy University	30.6%	33%	33.4%	38.7%	39.6%
University of South Alabama	16.0%	14.1%	13.7%	12.2%	13.9%
UAB	14.0%	14.3%	15.2%	14.4%	13.1%
Source: The Education Trust

Good Stewardship and a Strong Financial Aid Program Make BSC a Value

Birmingham-Southern is a good steward of its resources, which allows us to keep tuition affordable. Annual tuition increases at Birmingham-Southern are below the national average for both public and private institutions, and in many cases as much as three times lower than those at public colleges and universities. The college is annually recognized by such publications as Fiske Guide to Colleges, Colleges That Change Lives, and The Princeton Review for offering quality liberal arts education at an affordable price. The Elton B. Stephens Science Center

Our Financial Aid Office annually awards more than $22 million in aid and scholarships, which amounts to an average of $13,000 for each qualifying student. More than 98 percent of BSC students receive some type of aid. Thus, the average BSC student graduates with far less debt than students from other private colleges, and, even more surprisingly, with less debt than graduates of major public schools. You can see the average financial aid received by entering freshmen for fall 2008 at the Office of Financial Aid Web site.

We have alumni and friends who fund merit and need-based scholarships and other grants for our students because they know firsthand the importance of a BSC education. Some of these grants are designed specifically to “fill the gap” between family income and aid received to ensure that qualified students who want to attend Birmingham-Southern can do so.

A Birmingham-Southern education is a bargain financially compared with the elite liberal arts colleges across the nation. But when measuring the value of a college or university, you should consider much more than cost. A Birmingham-Southern education provides more opportunities and opens more doors after graduation than most other institutions of higher learning. Simply put, our graduates are sought-after, whether by the nation's most prestigious graduate schools or by not-for-profit or multinational companies. Each year, more than 50 percent of our graduates go straight to graduate school, which is considerably higher than any public institution. We annually rank No. 1 in Alabama and among the nation's best in graduates accepted to medical, dental, and health career programs, and we also rank high nationally in graduates accepted into law school. Others go straight into the workforce, often taking advantage of the network of alumni across the United States and in nearly 50 foreign countries and the job connections that often result. This is the type of return you should expect from the investment in your child's education.

Southern Care Services

When Birmingham-Southern students returned to campus in August, they found a personal gift in their rooms “welcoming them home”. They also found a kiosk in the Bell Tower that provides free coffee and juice before the first class periods on Monday and Friday mornings. This and other ‘Southern Care services and opportunities available to them during their time on the Hilltop campus are highlighted in a printed directory and on the BSC Web site. To see the many services and opportunities that the Birmingham-Southern family provides for our students throughout the academic year, click here.

What they're saying

Quotes from alumni and others

Never underestimate the power of personal testimony. If you want to get an even truer sense of what a great value Birmingham-Southern really is, you need to hear from those who have experienced it themselves. The following comments were voluntarily submitted.

You can find additional information about the value of a Birmingham-Southern education by visiting www.gotobsc.com or by contacting our Admission and Financial Aid professionals toll-free at 800-523-5793, extension 4696.