MOBILE, Ala. – Mobile, Alabama, is experiencing a remarkable surge in college enrollment, with multiple institutions reporting significant growth for the fall semester of 2023. This surge is not only reshaping the academic landscape but also underlining the attractiveness of Mobile as a destination for higher education. 

Bishop State Community College

Bishop State Community College stands out with an impressive 20% increase in fall enrollment for 2023, reaching a total of 3,569 students as of December 1. 

This growth underscores the college’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to Mobile and Washington Counties. President Olivier Charles attributes this success to the dedication of faculty and staff and the college’s responsiveness to community needs.

“Our commitment to fostering educational opportunities through early college programs and strategic partnerships with local high schools has been instrumental in achieving this remarkable milestone,” Charles said. “These initiatives have empowered students to pursue higher education earlier, easing the transition from high school to college while saving on tuition costs. We believe in creating a seamless educational journey, and these programs exemplify our dedication to accessibility and student success.”

Bishop State’s enrollment growth surpasses national trends, especially in community colleges, showcasing the college’s agility in addressing local industry needs. 

The Office of Early College Programs, including dual enrollment partnerships, has been a significant driver of this enrollment boost, emphasizing accessibility and student success.

Spring Hill College

Spring Hill College has experienced a combined 18% increase in new students over the last two years, defying national enrollment trends. The college’s commitment to teaching with a cura personalis approach, care for the whole person, and providing support along each student’s college journey has been a key factor in this growth. 

President Mary Van Brunt, PhD expresses a dedication to maintaining the college’s Jesuit education tradition while adapting to the evolving needs of students and the community. 

“In my short time at Spring Hill I’ve grown to love this community,” says President Mary Van Brunt, PhD. “We’ve spent a lot of time planning and developing a model that will enable the College to continue providing the best Jesuit education in the Southeast. From new academic programs to our 96% placement rate after graduation, we are constantly looking for ways to provide the best value in a college experience.”

The college’s national recognition for various degree programs, including top rankings by U.S. News & World Report, reflects its commitment to academic excellence. 

With a focus on curriculum advancements and career development, Spring Hill College is poised to continue providing value in the liberal arts education sector.

University of Mobile

The University of Mobile has set a new standard with a total enrollment of 1,916 students for the fall semester of 2023, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. Notably, the university achieved a record-breaking number of first-time freshmen, with 288 students, surpassing the previous record set in 2015. 

The overall 14% increase in new students, including transfers, highlights the institution’s appeal. Moreover, the impressive 72% retention rate exceeds both the state and national averages, a testament to the university’s commitment to student success.

“These numbers are the result of God being faithful and a lot of hard work – a total team effort,” University of Mobile President Dr. Lonnie A. Burnett told university employees. “This level of success involves marketing, enrollment counselors and staff, financial aid, business office, student success staff, student life staff, faculty and coaches.”

The university’s focus on providing a faith-based approach to academics, coupled with dedicated mentorship, sets it apart in the eyes of prospective students.

University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama has witnessed substantial growth, with total enrollment surpassing 13,768 students in 2023. 

This includes a notable 19% increase in first-year student enrollment, making the Class of 2027 one of the largest in university history. The emphasis on student success is evident in the impressive 76% first-year student retention rate, the second-highest in the university’s history.

In addition to these achievements, the university has seen growth in various areas, such as on-campus living, academic achievements, and enrollment in specific colleges. 

The University has aggressively focused on student recruitment in the last two years, expanding scholarships and its approaches to reaching new students and their families. Efforts include spirited VIP tours on board Jaguar Athletics buses, bringing high school students to campus to visit with faculty and tour facilities.

“It is clear more and more students and their families see the value of a first-class ticket to a brighter future through a degree from the University of South Alabama,” said President Jo Bonner. “As hard as we are working to recruit new students to South, we will — with equal energy and passion — do our best to prepare each of them for graduation and what comes next in life.”

President Jo Bonner’s vision of South as a coastal flagship university has been a driving force behind these accomplishments.

A Bright Future for Higher Learning

The surge in enrollment across Mobile’s colleges not only reflects the success of individual institutions but also signals a broader positive trend in the local higher education landscape. As these colleges continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of students, Mobile cements its reputation as a hub for quality education and academic excellence. Looking ahead, these enrollment success stories pave the way for a promising future, offering students a diverse range of options for pursuing higher education in Mobile, Alabama.