Key Takeaways:
- Birmingham-Southern College is closing due to financial difficulties, marking the latest college to shut down in recent years.
- The college’s closure will affect students, faculty, and staff, with plans for transferring credits and assistance for relocation in progress.
- The institution struggled with financial issues for years, exacerbated by declining enrollment and increasing operational costs.
After more than 165 years of educating students, Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama is closing its doors permanently. The long-embattled school has been desperately trying to raise funds to avoid shutting down, but has recently admitted defeat. On May 31, 2024, it will cease all operations. The focus now is on smoothing student transition to other local colleges and universities while preserving any transfer credits.
After being denied a hefty loan from the state government, the private liberal arts college told stakeholders it had no choice but to close up shop. The school points to a lack of communication between college and community leaders among other factors for the school’s demise.
Seniors who had almost crossed the finish line to their degree report feeling as if they’ve hit a literal brick wall. Still, these students have options. Some will finish their credentials online while others will keep their earned credits and transfer them to another accredited school. After Spring break, all students will meet with their advisors to discuss the best path forward.
Counselors will also meet with members of the school’s faculty and staff to offer them resources and guidance as they seek to find new positions in higher education.
With the closing of Birmingham-Southern College, the state of Alabama will lose approximately $90 million per year, according to economic predictions. Jefferson County, which houses the city of Birmingham, will bear the brunt of this loss.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Birmingham Southern College #135 among national liberal arts colleges. It has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1922.