Miles College

Breadcrumb Abstract Shape
Breadcrumb Abstract Shape

Miles College

  • Overview & Academics

    Miles College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college founded in 1898 and affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Located in Fairfield, Alabama, just west of Birmingham, it offers a classic college experience, emphasizing leadership, scholarship, and service. Miles confers Bachelor’s degrees from four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business & Accounting, Education, and Social & Behavioral Sciences. Academic programs reflect a strong liberal arts foundation with notable offerings in criminal justice, business administration, biology, education, and communications.

  • Admissions

    • Admission Type: Rolling admissions; applications accepted year-round.
    • Requirements:

      • High school diploma or GED
      • Minimum GPA (varies by program, but generally 2.0+)
      • Official high school transcripts
      • ACT/SAT scores (test-optional policy may apply for some terms)
      • Completed application form (online or paper)
    • Review Process: Holistic review with consideration for academic record, extracurriculars, motivation, and potential for success.
  • Cost

    • 2023–2024 Tuition & Fees (Estimated):

      • Tuition: Approx. $11,164 per year (full-time, in-state and out-of-state)
      • Required Fees: Approx. $1,200 per year
    • Room & Board: Approx. $7,400 per year
    • Financial Aid: More than 90% of students receive some form of financial assistance (scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study).
  • Student Population

    • Enrollment: Approximately 1,500–1,700 undergraduate students
    • Gender: Nearly 60% female, 40% male
    • Demographics: Predominantly African American, with students from across Alabama, the southern US, and international backgrounds
    • First-Generation: High percentage of first-generation college students
  • Rankings & Distinctions

    • Designated as an HBCU (Historically Black College or University)
    • Consistently ranked among the top HBCUs regionally
    • Recognized for community engagement and commitment to social justice
    • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Campus & Culture

    • Location: Suburban campus, about 4 miles from downtown Birmingham
    • Campus features historic and modern academic buildings, residential halls, a performing arts center, science labs, chapel, and athletic facilities
    • Emphasis on spiritual, civic, and community engagement
    • Rich traditions including Homecoming Week, Founder’s Day, and frequent campus events
  • Athletics & Traditions

    • Nickname: The Golden Bears
    • Colors: Royal Purple and Old Gold
    • Member of NCAA Division II – Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC)
    • Varsity Sports: Football, basketball (men’s and women’s), baseball, softball, cross country, golf, track & field, volleyball, and cheerleading
    • Marching “Purple Marching Machine” Band: A highlight of athletics and campus life
  • Mission

    Miles College’s mission is to prepare students, through rigorous liberal arts and professional programs, for leadership, responsible citizenship, and life-long learning in a diverse and global society. The college aims to empower its diverse student body to achieve excellence and positively impact communities.

  • Leadership & Current Developments

    • President: Bobbie Knight (as of 2024)
    • Recent Developments:

      • New campus infrastructure and facility improvements
      • Expanded partnerships with local employers for internships and career placements
      • Enhanced emphasis on STEM programs and digital learning technologies
  • Programs

    • Bachelor’s Degrees offered in:
      • Business Administration
      • Accounting
      • Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
      • Criminal Justice, Political Science, Social Work, Sociology
      • Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education
      • English, Mass Communication, Music, History
      • Psychology, General Studies, among others
    • Pre-Professional tracks: Pre-Law, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dentistry
    • Career-focused certificate and minor options
  • Campus Life

    • Student housing includes traditional residence halls and suite-style options
    • On-campus dining hall and cafe
    • Health and counseling services available to students
    • Frequent cultural events, symposiums, and guest lectures
    • Active Greek life (fraternities and sororities)
  • Student Organizations

    • Over 30 student-run clubs and organizations spanning academic, cultural, service, political, and professional interests
    • Student Government Association, Honor Societies, and Campus Ambassadors
    • Active chapters of National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations (Divine Nine)
    • Performance groups including Choir, Band, and Theater
  • Admission Stats

    • Acceptance rate: Approximately 90%
    • Average incoming freshman GPA: 2.6–3.1
    • Average SAT (if submitted): 850–970 (Evidence-based Reading + Math)
    • Average ACT (if submitted): 16–20 (Composite Range)
    • Student-to-faculty ratio: About 16:1
    • Retention rate (freshman to sophomore year): ~57%