Selma University
General Information of Selma University
Overview
Selma University is a historically black institution founded in 1878 in Selma, Alabama, with the original mission of educating African‑American Baptist ministers and teachers during the post‑Reconstruction era. Over the decades the institution evolved and broadened its academic profile, offering liberal arts programs and ministerial training. Today, it remains affiliated with the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention and retains its identity as a private HBCU with strong Christian heritage.
Operating in a small‑campus environment (reportedly fewer than 100 undergraduates in recent years) the university emphasizes a community‑oriented learning experience and aims to nurture servant‑leaders grounded in spiritual, intellectual and social formation. edurank.org+1 While the institution has faced significant financial and accreditation challenges in recent years, the legacy of Selma University as a center for education in the Black Belt of Alabama remains a defining feature of its identity.
Contact Information
Address: 1501 Boynton Street, Selma, Alabama 36701, United States. edurank.org+1
Phone Number: 334‑526‑1718 (Admissions Office) Selma University+1
Email Address: admissions@selmau.edu (as listed on the admissions page) Selma University
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1878 Encyclopedia of Alabama |
| Type | Private, historically black (HBCU), Christian/Baptist |
| Location | Selma, Alabama (urban campus) |
| Affiliation | Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention Vikipedi |
| Student Enrollment | Reported ~47 undergraduates, ~13 graduates in recent data edurank.org |
| School Colors | Blue & White Vikipedi |
Selma University Rankings
| Ranking Source | National / U.S. Position | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| EduRank | ~#1,861 of ~2,496 U.S. universities edurank.org | ~#7,275 globally |
| Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admissions policy) edurank.org | — |
Selma University Academics
Selma University Faculties / Departments
Selma University organizes its academic programming around several functional units and fields of study rather than large, named “faculties” as in larger institutions. These include:
- Biblical and Theological Studies Department
- General Education and Liberal Arts Department
- Business Administration Program
- Student Success & Academic Support Services
- Online and Distance Learning Division
Selma University Courses and Programs / Majors
Key programs available at Selma University include:
- Bachelor’s degrees in Theology and Religious Vocations (the predominant offering) edurank.org
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (General) edurank.org
- Associate level credentials in liberal arts and pre‑ministry tracks
- Graduate programs in theology and religious vocations (in limited number) edurank.org
Online Learning
Selma University provides limited online or distance‑education options, particularly in its theological and ministry‑focused programs, enabling students who are geographically distant or working adults to maintain studies. The institution acknowledges and supports a population of learners engaged in ministry, service and non‑traditional schedules. The precise breadth of online courses is modest given the institution’s small size and resource base.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | ~24% overall completion rate app.overgrad.com+1 |
| Admissions Test Scores | ACT/SAT requirement exists (ACT ≥17 or comparable) for placement; many students placed via test‑out or placement exams Selma University |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Selma University has reported a 24% graduation rate in recent data, which is significantly lower than national averages. edurank.org+1 The low rate reflects a combination of factors including the institution’s small scale, mission focus, non‑traditional student body, and resource constraints. Retention (i.e., continuing beyond first year) is modest and reflects the challenges of student persistence, resource availability, and external pressures on students.
Selma University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Selma University uses an open admissions policy, meaning that most applicants who have completed high school or obtained a GED are eligible. edurank.org The admissions page indicates students who have not submitted ACT scores of 17 or higher must take placement testing, which suggests a minimum baseline for college‑level coursework. Selma University There are no published minimum GPA thresholds; readiness for coursework and spiritual fit are emphasised.
Selma University Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ~100% (open admissions) edurank.org |
Selma University Application Requirements
Selma University invites prospective students to complete an enrollment application, submit official high‑school transcripts or GED results, and provide any college transcripts if applicable. Applicants must complete medical information (e.g., TB skin test) and may be required to undertake placement testing if standardized test benchmarks like ACT 17 are not met. Applications should be submitted at least one month prior to desired enrollment. Selma University
Application Process
- Complete and submit the university’s admission application form
- Provide official high‑school transcript or GED certificate, and any prior college transcripts if applicable
- Submit ACT/SAT scores if available; if not, complete institution’s placement test
- Complete required medical clearance (e.g., TB test)
- Participate in orientation and academic advising upon acceptance
Selma University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program Level | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Rolling admissions; application materials should be received at least one month before intended semester start Selma University |
Essay Prompt
Selma University does not emphasise a formal essay prompt for all applicants; however, students may be encouraged to submit a personal statement addressing their vocational aims, spiritual goals and readiness for a servant‑leadership role, especially if applying for ministry or theology programs.
Selma University Scholarships
The university offers various scholarships and financial‑aid mechanisms, typically grounded in its Christian mission, alumni support and denominational ties. Aid packages may include institutional versus need‑based scholarships, though detailed data on scholarships per student is limited.
Selma University Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | ~$4,800 per year for standard full‑time load edurank.org |
| Room & Board (on‑campus) | Approximately ~$3,600 per year (for dormitory capacity ~66) edurank.org |
Selma University Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Selma University enrolls a small student body, with recent data showing approximately 47 undergraduates and 13 graduate students. edurank.org+1 The gender split is approximately 48 % male and 52 % female. edurank.org The institution’s student makeup is entirely African American according to recent data. edurank.org
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Given its mission as a historically black institution in a region of economic challenge, Selma University serves a substantial number of students from low‑income households. Financial‑aid packaging indicates 100 % of students receive some form of aid. edurank.org Specific data on students with disabilities is not broadly reported, though appropriate accommodations are expected under federal and institutional policy.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Students (recent data) | ~60 students (approx. 47 undergraduates, 13 graduates) edurank.org |
| Graduation Rate | ~24% overall completion app.overgrad.com |
University Diversity
Selma University’s campus community, though small in number, is culturally and historically significant. As an HBCU, it embodies a legacy of providing educational access to African‑American students in the Deep South and continues to emphasise spiritual formation, service, and leadership development within that context. The wholly African‑American undergraduate population contributes to a cohesive cultural experience rooted in the Baptist tradition and Black‑Belt regional heritage. While the demographics may appear homogeneous in terms of race, the diversity lies in student experiences, generational backgrounds, vocational aims (ministry, business, service) and geographic origins (some may commute or transfer from other institutions). This cultural coherence allows for a focused mission environment where faculty, students and community stakeholders share a common history and set of values, and students are supported in developing servant‑leadership skills in contexts that often reflect underserved communities.
Average Earnings
Data on alumni earnings is limited for Selma University. Given the institution’s specialized role in theology, ministry, business administration and service leadership, graduates often pursue roles in church leadership, nonprofit organisations, education, or community service where monetary compensation may not mirror large corporate salaries. The small size of the institution and the low overall graduation rate suggest wages vary significantly. Nonetheless, students entering ministry or local business may achieve incomes corresponding to regional non‑profit or faith‑based organisation standards, often supplemented with community engagement and leadership roles that reflect mission more than salary.
Selma University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Selma University employs a small number of full‑time faculty and support staff appropriate to its scale. Institutional reports indicate around 18 full‑time employees in recent data. edurank.org Faculty engage in teaching, spiritual formation, student advisement, and often pastoral or community work consistent with the institution’s mission.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Selma University typically hold advanced degrees in theology, biblical studies, ministry leadership or liberal arts education, and many bring practical church or community service experience. Their expertise focuses on preparing students for roles in faith‑based leadership, mission work and service in educational or ministry settings. The accomplishments of alumni—such as national Baptist convention leadership—reflect the faculty emphasis on leadership preparation. Encyclopedia of Alabama+1
Selma University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Selma University’s campus is situated in Selma, Alabama, and includes historic buildings such as Dinkins Memorial Chapel and others dating to the early 20th century. Vikipedi+1 On‑campus housing is available (for example dormitories with capacity ~66 students) in recent data. edurank.org Student life is closely aligned with Christian ministry, campus ministry activities, member‑church engagement, local service, and a smaller‑scale community experience rather than a large liberal‑arts residential model. Students engage in chapel services, mission outreach, and student organisations oriented to faith and service rather than extensive athletics or large social infrastructure.
Transportation
The campus is accessible within Selma, Alabama, which offers local road access and regional transport routes. Many students are likely commuter or part‑time due to the small‑scale institution and local community ties. Parking and campus proximity facilitate access for regional students. While public transit in Selma is limited compared to metropolitan areas, the small size and community nature of the institution mean students typically reside locally or commute from nearby counties.