Birmingham-Southern College (BSC), founded in 1856 in Alabama, is a private liberal arts college with strengths in science, business, and the arts. It ranks for personalized education and undergraduate research opportunities.
The historic campus includes a planetarium, art galleries, and a newly renovated science center. Its 'Exploration Term' allows students to pursue immersive projects worldwide.
Birmingham-Southern College Acceptance Rate
Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 57.17%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Birmingham-Southern College Admission Requirements
BSC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at BSC is 3.72. BSC is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.42 and 3.72, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
BSC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at BSC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.72, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.72 – 4.00 | Competitive Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.52 – 3.71 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.32 – 3.51 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.31 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At BSC, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Birmingham-Southern College Average SAT Score: 1218
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Birmingham-Southern College is 1218 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1218 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1280 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Birmingham-Southern College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1150, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to BSC. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 585 | 560 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 630 | 590 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1218 | 1150 | 1280 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1150 then you are below most of the admitted students at BSC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1280 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) are good but the admission staff at BSC tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at BSC is 26.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Birmingham-Southern College Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 26 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT English | 26 | 22 | 30 |
| ACT Composite | 26 | 22 | 29 |
Can I get into Birmingham-Southern College with a 29 ACT?
With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Birmingham-Southern College are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 26.BSC Profile
Name: Birmingham-Southern College (BSC)
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
How much does a degree from BSC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Birmingham-Southern College is USD: 35495. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Birmingham-Southern College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
22.68% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 64.27 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to BSC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Birmingham-Southern College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist BSC as your choice in the form.
How much a BSC Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 59481. An average BSC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Birmingham-Southern College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Ouachita Baptist University, AR | 1180 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1192 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1180 | 25 |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO | 1199 | 26 |
| University of Hartford | University of Hartford, CT | 1201 | 26 |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1180 | NA |
| University of Saint Joseph | University of Saint Joseph, CT | 1170 | NA |
| Flagler College | Flagler College, FL | 1168 | 26 |
| Florida Southern College | Florida Southern College, FL | 1206 | 26 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Birmingham-Southern College. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | University of Redlands, CA | 1215 | 28 |
| Quinnipiac University | Quinnipiac University, CT | 1216 | 27 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Birmingham-Southern College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1291 | 27 |
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL | 1259 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn University, AL | 1292 | 27 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1278 | 28 |
| Biola University | Biola University, CA | 1250 | 27 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Architecture and Related Services
- Area Studies
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Frequently Asked Questions About Birmingham-Southern College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $59481 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $35495 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Birmingham-Southern College is 57.17 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.72. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.42, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.42, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.42 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.32 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Birmingham-Southern College if my GPA is below 3.32
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.72, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to Birmingham-Southern College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1218 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1150-1280
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Birmingham-Southern College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.