Bishop State Community College
Bishop State Community College: General Information
Overview
Bishop State Community College (BSCC) is a public two-year institution based in Mobile, Alabama, and is one of the state’s historically black community colleges. It traces its roots to 1927, when it began as an extension of Alabama State College serving African American teachers in Mobile. Over decades the institution grew, incorporated technical campuses, and expanded into multiple sites across Mobile and Washington counties. Today, BSCC serves a dual mission: offering both academic transfer programs (Associate of Arts and Associate of Science) and career-technical and workforce training certificates and associate degrees.
With open admissions and urban campuses, the college chiefly serves commuter students, many of whom are non-traditional in age and balance work or family responsibilities. BSCC emphasizes affordability, accessibility, and alignment with industry needs—offering programs in health sciences, transportation, advanced manufacturing, and more. The institution is part of the Alabama Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It also participates in workforce development and lifelong learning initiatives, reflecting its commitment to community and economic uplift. Encyclopedia of Alabama+2kheaa.com+2
Contact Informations
Address: 351 North Broad Street, Mobile, Alabama 36603-5898 petersons.com+1
Phone Number: (251) 405-7000 ache.edu+1
Email Address: admissions@bishop.edu (Admissions & Records) bishop.edu+1
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1927 Encyclopedia of Alabama+1 |
| Type | Public, two-year community college; Historically Black Community College (HBCU) Vikipedi+1 |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) bishop.edu+1 |
| Student Enrollment (2023) | Approximately 3,568 students datausa.io+1 |
| Service Region / Campuses | Main campus in Mobile, plus Southwest, Carver, Central campuses and training sites in Mobile & Washington counties Encyclopedia of Alabama+1 |
| Mission Focus | Career pathways, workforce training, open-access education in a diverse inclusive environment bishop.edu+1 |
Bishop State Community College Rankings
| Metric | Value / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admissions) Niche+1 |
| Net Price After Aid | ~$4,851 average net price per year (2023) datausa.io |
| Graduation Rate | ~23.2% (2023) for full-time first-time students datausa.io+1 |
Bishop State Community College Academics
Bishop State Community College Faculties / Departments
- Division of Academic Transfer (General Education)
- Division of Health Science Professions
- Division of Career Technical Education
- Division of Workforce Development & Lifelong Learning
- Adult Education & GED Services
Bishop State Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Arts (AA) – transfer major in humanities, social sciences
- Associate of Science (AS) – transfer major in STEM fields
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – technical programs such as Industrial Maintenance, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Truck Driving
- Certificate programs (<2 years) in areas such as Truck, Bus & Commercial Vehicle Operation, Welding Technology, Manufacturing Technology datausa.io
- Continuing education, workforce short-term credentials, non-credit training via workforce division princetonreview.com
Online Learning
Bishop State Community College offers some online and hybrid course options, particularly for general education and transfer programs. While many technical and lab-based courses require in-person attendance due to equipment or site requirements, the institution continues to expand digital learning opportunities and flexible scheduling to accommodate adult learners and working students.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Assessment | Requirement / Status |
|---|---|
| SAT / ACT | Not explicitly required for admission; open admissions allows flexible entry bigfuture.collegeboard.org |
| Placement / Diagnostic Tests | May be required for developmental coursework in math/English |
| Program Entrance Assessments | Some technical or health programs may have additional criteria, but not standardized for entire institution |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Data for Bishop State indicates a retention rate of about 61% for full-time undergraduates in 2023. datausa.io The graduation rate (degree-completion within a set timeframe) is reported at 23.2% for full-time first-time students in 2023. datausa.io The college’s open admissions mission and mix of full-time and part-time learners result in varied completion timelines. Student support services, flexible scheduling and workforce alignment are emphasized to enhance persistence and program completion.
Bishop State Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Bishop State practices open admissions. Applicants generally need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and meet minimal placement or readiness requirements. There are no publicly stated minimum GPA or standardized test (SAT/ACT) score thresholds for general admission.
Bishop State Community College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (qualified applicants admitted) Niche+1 |
Bishop State Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete an admissions application, provide proof of high school graduation or GED, and submit official transcripts. Placement testing may be required to determine readiness for college-level English and math. For technical or health science programs, additional requirements such as immunizations, background checks or program-specific assessments may apply. Once admitted, students attend orientation and meet with an academic advisor to plan their coursework.
Application Process
- Submit application to Bishop State Community College
- Submit high school diploma or GED verification
- Complete placement test if indicated
- Meet with advisor for program selection and registration
- Attend orientation and finalize registration
Bishop State Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline / Start Information |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Enrollment begins earlier in summer; open-admissions allows registration until classes fill kheaa.com |
| Spring Semester | Early January start, with admission ongoing until program capacities reached |
| Rolling Admissions | Many programs admit throughout year given workforce focus |
Essay Prompt
No formal essay is required for general admission at Bishop State Community College. Some specialized programs may request additional documentation or statements of intent but not an institutional essay.
Bishop State Community College Scholarships
BSCC offers institutional scholarships, federal and state grants, and workforce development funding. The college supports access for low-income students, adult learners and underrepresented populations. Students are encouraged to apply early for financial aid and consult scholarship opportunities.
Bishop State Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program / Metric | 2023 Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (in-state) | Approximately $3,810 for tuition (2023) datausa.io |
| Average Net Price After Aid | ~$4,851 annual net cost (2023) datausa.io |
| Additional Costs | Books, supplies, fees, and living costs for commuting/students |
Bishop State Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student population at Bishop State reflects significant diversity, with about 59% of enrolled students identifying as Black or African American and about 28% as White (2023). datausa.io The gender distribution shows approximately 57% female among undergraduates and 43% male. College Factual Age-wise, more than half of students are nontraditional (older than typical college age), reflecting the commuter and workforce-training orientation of the college.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
About 85% of undergraduates received federal grants or scholarships in 2023, reflecting significant representation of low-income students. datausa.io Bishop State offers support services for students with disabilities, first-generation learners, and adult students, in line with its mission of inclusive access and workforce preparation.
Student Body
| Category | 2023 Data / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~3,568 students datausa.io |
| Full-Time Students | ~1,141 students (~32%) datausa.io |
| Part-Time Students | ~2,427 students (~68%) datausa.io |
University Diversity
Bishop State Community College fosters diversity and inclusion through its status as an HBCU and its exposure to a broad commuter population in an urban region. It serves students of multiple ages, backgrounds, and life circumstances—ranging from recent high school graduates to adult learners changing careers, veterans, and part-time students balancing work and family. The institution’s programs in mechanical trades, health sciences, logistics, and technical certificates bring together learners with varied life experiences and cultural backgrounds, enriching classroom interactions and peer support networks. The diversity underscores the institution’s role in bridging educational and economic opportunity gaps, especially within historically underserved communities. BSCC’s workforce development emphasis aligns with its inclusive mission: providing skills and credentials that enable social mobility and economic participation for students across demographic lines.
Average Earnings
Though specific alumni earnings data for BSCC is limited, graduates of its workforce-oriented programs—such as in industrial maintenance, transportation, logistics, health sciences—typically enter locally in high-demand jobs. Certificates and associate degrees in these fields offer pathways into stable employment with upward potential. For students transferring via AA or AS degrees to four-year institutions, earnings potential further increases. The affordability of BSCC (net price ~$4,851) combined with engagement in technical fields positions graduates to manage debt and progress in income. Over time, alumni who accumulate credentials, certifications, and experience likely see wage growth and career advancement.
Bishop State Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Bishop State employs faculty, staff, and administrators across its multiple campuses and sites. The institution reports employing approximately 375 people, with around 280 full-time staff, including instructional and support roles. Encyclopedia of Alabama+1 Student-faculty ratio is approximately 19:1 per data sources. Niche
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at BSCC include instructors with strong industry experience, especially within technical and trade programs such as robotics, manufacturing, and transportation. Instructors in transfer programs hold academic credentials and engage students in preparation for four-year institutions. Their work, in alliance with workforce development staff and industry advisory boards, ensures curricula remain aligned with employer needs and evolving job markets. Programs such as the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology highlight the institution’s commitment to cutting-edge faculty expertise and applied learning. ache.edu
Bishop State Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a community college, Bishop State primarily serves commuting students and does not emphasize residential housing. The main campus is located in an urban setting in Mobile, Alabama, with additional campuses—Southwest, Carver, Central—spread across the region. Student life features clubs, honor societies (like Phi Theta Kappa), athletics (NJCAA teams known as the Wildcats, with green and gold colors), and student government. Although housing is limited, the institution fosters engagement through student activities, employer events, and learning-community opportunities. Encyclopedia of Alabama+1
Transportation
The main campus at 351 North Broad Street in Mobile is situated in an urban environment, providing access for commuters via local transportation. Parking is available for students who drive, and class scheduling accommodates part-time and working students (evenings, weekends). Satellite campuses in the metropolitan area increase access across multiple neighborhoods. The absence of residential housing means transportation planning is largely self-managed by student commuters.