Bishop State Community College: Tuition, Fees, and Affordability

Bishop State Community College, situated in an urban setting, offers a comprehensive range of academic programs and support services. This article provides a detailed overview of the college's tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related costs, designed to help prospective students and their families plan for their educational investment.

General Information

Bishop State Community College operates on a semester-based academic calendar. The college has a total enrollment of 3,568 students. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, Bishop State aims to provide personalized attention to its students. The highest degree offered is an associate degree, with students able to earn degrees and certificates in 26 different fields. Popular programs include General Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.

Tuition and Fees

Understanding the cost of attendance is crucial for prospective students. Here's a breakdown of the tuition and fees at Bishop State Community College:

2020-2021 Academic Year

In-state tuition and fees: $4,860
Out-of-state tuition and fees: $8,550

2023 Academic Year

Undergraduate Tuition: $3,810 (a 1.6% increase from 2022)

For the academic year 2022/2023, in-state tuition was $3,648 per year, while out-of-state tuition was $6,137 per year. Other costs include books and supplies, estimated at $2,000 per year, and personal expenses, estimated at $2,700 per year.

It is important to note that in May 2022, the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees authorized an annual tuition rate adjustment of $2 per credit hour for community and technical colleges, beginning in the Fall 2022 semester.

Read also: Guertin Education Expenses

Projected Costs

For the 2025-2026 school year, the projected in-state sticker price is $23,023, while the out-of-state sticker price is $26,861. The projected average net price is $6,950.

Net Price and Financial Aid

The net price, which is the price students pay after factoring in grants and loans, provides a more realistic view of college costs.

Average Net Price

2023 Average Net Price: $4,851 (After Financial Aid)
Average Net Price (2019/2020): $4,851

Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price at Bishop State Community College increased by 41.9%.

Financial Aid

In 2023, 85% of undergraduate students at Bishop State Community College received financial aid through grants. This represents a 13.3% increase from 2022, when 75% of students received aid. The average scholarship or grant award is $4,734.

Financial Aid by Income Level (Projected Net Price for 2025-2026)

Less than $30K: $5,590
$30K-$48K: $6,319
$48K-$75K: $8,322
$75K-$110K: $7,126
Over $110K: $1,390

Financial Aid Details

Average Aid Package Awarded: $6,341

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Most colleges determine financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Additional Expenses

Besides tuition and fees, students should also consider the following expenses:

Books and Supplies: $2,000 per year (as of 2023)
Room and Board: $6,150 per year (as of 2023)
Other Expenses: Students are advised to budget $3,000 for other expenses.

Bishop State Community College does not offer on-campus housing. Students not living with family need to budget for food and housing in the Mobile area.

Payment Options and Policies

Tuition and fees can be paid using various methods, including debit card, cash, money order, cashier’s check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Tuition for online and hybrid courses follows the same fee schedule.

All tuition and fees must be paid in full before the first day of classes. Schedules with unpaid balances may be deleted. Bishop State offers a free tuition-only scholarship program to area residents aged 60 and older who meet admission requirements. This scholarship covers up to four credit hours per semester, but does not include books and fees, and is based on available space per class.

Enrollment and Student Demographics

In 2023, Bishop State Community College had a total enrollment of 3,568 students, with 32% enrolled full-time (1,141 students) and 68% enrolled part-time (2,427 students).

Read also: Education at Bishop Heber College

Race and Ethnicity

The enrolled student population is diverse:

59% Black or African American: 2,106 students
28.1% White: 1,003 students
4.68% Two or More Races: 167 students
2.91% Hispanic or Latino
2.3% Asian
1.23% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.112% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Sex Breakdown for Common Majors

In 2023, 434 degrees were awarded to men and 393 degrees were awarded to women. The most common race/ethnicity and sex grouping is black or african american female (270 degrees awarded), followed by black or african american male (249 degrees).

Student Outcomes

Graduation and Retention Rates

Graduation Rate (within 150% of normal time): 23.2%
Overall Graduation Rate (within four years): 24%
Retention Rate (full-time undergraduates): 61%

The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 was Male and Asian (100%).

Student Loan Debt

To provide a more realistic picture of the potential out-of-pocket cost, consider a ten-year student loan with an original principal value of $9,702 (a two-year multiple of the $4,851 average net price). Based on these assumptions, a monthly repayment of $110 could be required.

Campus and Student Life

Bishop State Community College's campus is located in a city. The college provides various campus services, including:

Employment services for students
Credit for life experiences
Academic/career counseling services
Placement services for completers

Historical Context

Bishop State Community College has a rich history, beginning in 1927 as the Mobile Branch of Alabama State Teachers' College. It gained independent legal status in 1965 as Mobile State Junior College. In 1989, the college was renamed Bishop State Community College to reflect its growth in vocational/career offerings, transfer offerings, and community service activities. In 1991, two technical colleges were consolidated with Bishop State, forming the campuses that exist today.

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