Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Mobile, Alabama
59.1% Acceptance Rate
Spring Hill College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
59.1%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1090Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$37,172Annual Cost
$51,500Grad Salary
33%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
59.1%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1090
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1120
ACT Middle 50%
19–24
Need-Based Aid
33% receive Pell
Spring Hill College, founded in 1830, is Alabama's oldest Catholic college with a beautiful Mobile campus overlooking the bay. Known for its business and nursing programs, Spring Hill's 'Core Curriculum' emphasizes Jesuit values of social justice and service.
Spring Hill College Acceptance Rate
Spring Hill College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Spring Hill College is 59.1%. This means that 59 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 59.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Spring Hill College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Spring Hill College follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
SHC reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
SHC GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SHC is 3.5. SHC 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.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
SHC GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at SHC utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate ~59?77% (sources vary significantly; IPEDS 2024-25 reports 76.57%; CollegeSimply reports 59% from a different sample year - use the IPEDS figure); test-optional; Common App accepted; personal writing sample required; guidance counselor evaluation and letters of recommendation strongly recommended; tuition $24,054 (2024-25) - deliberately below market for a private Jesuit institution.
- Founded 1830 by Bishop Michael Portier; oldest Catholic college in the Southeast; fifth-oldest Catholic college in the United States; third-oldest Jesuit member college in the country; oldest institution of higher education in Alabama; desegregated 1954 - first integrated white college in the Deep South; commended by MLK in the 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail.
- Permanent SHC Italy Center in Bologna - semester, year, and summer programs in social justice and global studies, with travel included in tuition; open to students from other universities; Rockhurst University strategic partnership announced March 2025 adds new undergraduate programs and graduate pathways.
- NCAA Division II Badgers with 16 varsity teams; 11:1 student-faculty ratio; average class size 12; 919 undergraduates enrolled; 70% of total student body living on campus; 56% of students from outside Alabama; 38% Catholic; more than one-third of graduates continue to graduate or professional school.
- The Rigor Metric: At SHC, 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at SHC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Spring Hill College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Spring Hill College (SHC) Test Requirements
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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into SHC Without SAT or ACT?
Spring Hill College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Spring Hill College Average SAT Score: 1090
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Spring Hill College is 1090 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1090 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1090 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Spring Hill 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 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SHC. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1090 | 1050 | 1120 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at SHC and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1120 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 1100
Can I get into Spring Hill College (SHC) with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Spring Hill College (SHC) are good but the admission staff at SHC 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.
Spring Hill College (SHC) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SHC is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Spring Hill College slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 26 |
| ACT English | 24 | 20 | 28 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 24 |
Can I get into Spring Hill College with a 24 ACT?
A 24 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Spring Hill College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Spring Hill College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Spring Hill College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Spring Hill College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 24 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SHC
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
SHC is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Spring Hill Desegregated in 1954 - MLK Named It in the Letter from Birmingham Jail - That History Lives in the Curriculum
Spring Hill College desegregated in 1954, becoming the first integrated white college in the Deep South and the only one in a five-state region for ten years afterward. In his 1963 "Letter from Birmingham Jail," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. specifically commended the Catholic leaders of Alabama for desegregating Spring Hill "several years ago." This is not a footnote - it is an institutional identity marker that shapes how Spring Hill approaches social justice, Jesuit mission, and its curriculum today. Students applying to Spring Hill who are interested in justice, ethics, social change, or Jesuit education should engage this history directly in their application essays. Students who don't know about it - who write about Spring Hill as just another small Jesuit college - are demonstrably unprepared for what makes this institution specific.
The Bologna, Italy Center Is a Real, Resident Program - Not Just a Study Abroad Option
Spring Hill operates a permanent academic center in Bologna, Italy - in Europe's oldest university city - that offers semester, year, and summer programs in social justice, Italian language, and global studies. The travel program is embedded in the curriculum and included in tuition costs for SHC participants. The center is also open to students from other colleges and universities, making it an active, operationally independent facility rather than a course catalog placeholder. Students applying to Spring Hill who have international interests - in business, social science, arts, communication, or social justice - should name the Bologna center specifically in their applications, ask about the application process for semester versus summer, and ask how many first-year and sophomore students typically participate, since going early in the degree increases the integration of international experience into the full curriculum.
The Rockhurst Partnership Opens New Programs and Graduate Pathways - Effective Spring 2025
In March 2025, Spring Hill and Rockhurst University (Kansas City, MO) announced a strategic partnership as fellow members of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The partnership gives Spring Hill students access to new undergraduate programs (including data analytics and intelligence, exercise science, and social influencing), streamlined pathways to Rockhurst graduate programs, and exchange program opportunities on each other's campuses. This is a current-cycle, operational development - not an aspirational announcement - that materially expands what Spring Hill students can study without transferring. Prospective students whose intended field benefits from any of the newly accessible programs should ask the admissions office what the current enrollment pathway into Rockhurst-affiliated programs looks like for entering fall 2026 students.
Spring Hill's Tuition Is Unusually Low for a Private Jesuit College - And That's Intentional
Spring Hill's published tuition for 2024-25 is $24,054 - dramatically below the national private university average and below virtually every other Jesuit institution in the country. This is a deliberate pricing strategy: the college has explicitly stated it lowered tuition to make Jesuit education more accessible, and 96% of undergraduates receive grants or scholarships on top of that already-reduced base. Students who are comparing Spring Hill to Jesuit peers like Loyola New Orleans, Xavier, or Bellarmine on sticker price are making an unfair comparison - Spring Hill's effective cost structure is meaningfully different. Running the net price calculator before assuming what Spring Hill will cost is essential, because the final out-of-pocket figure frequently surprises families who expected a private Jesuit college to be prohibitively expensive.
Expert Insight:
Spring Hill's yield rate of approximately 8% is among the lowest in this entire project - and it reflects the same pattern that affects most small Jesuit colleges in the South: admitted students, after seeing full financial aid packages, often choose flagship state universities that offer better merit aid relative to the sticker price comparison. The most common failure in Spring Hill applications is submitting without the required personal writing sample - which is a stated requirement, not optional - and without the strongly recommended guidance counselor evaluation and letters of recommendation. At a school where 96% of students receive financial aid and scholarship decisions are made holistically, an incomplete file not only delays the admission decision but signals to the financial aid office that the student isn't engaged enough to submit complete materials, which affects initial award amounts.
SHC Profile
Full Name
Spring Hill College (SHC)
City
Mobile
State
Alabama
ZIP Code
36608-1780
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a SHC Degree Worth It?
Getting into SHC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. SHC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at SHC is $59,000 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.57%.
How much does a degree from SHC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Spring Hill College is $37,172. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Spring Hill College is much less than this.
33% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 51.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SHC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Spring Hill College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SHC as your choice in the form.
How much does a SHC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $51,500. An average SHC 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Spring Hill College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Spring Hill College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Spring Hill College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Degree Programs at SHC
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Spring Hill College →
Frequently Asked Questions About SHC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $51,500 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $37,172 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
33.0% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Spring Hill College is 59.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make 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.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Spring Hill College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1090 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050–1120.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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.