Spring Hill College: Alabama’s Oldest Jesuit Institution for Academic Excellence and Service

Spring Hill College, founded in 1830 in Mobile, Alabama, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state and the first Catholic college in the Southeast. Rooted in Jesuit tradition, the college emphasizes holistic education through cura personalis—care for the whole person—fostering academic, spiritual, and personal growth.

With small class sizes, over 52 undergraduate programs, and strong outcomes like a 99.5% placement rate, it delivers a high return on investment. Its diverse student body thrives in a vibrant campus environment rich in service, faith, and leadership opportunities. Spring Hill’s athletic teams compete in NCAA Division II, and students benefit from extensive academic support, ROTC programs, and rich traditions in faith and service.

Spring Hill College: A Legacy of Jesuit Education and Service in the Deep South

Spring Hill College, located in Mobile, Alabama, stands as a venerable institution with a rich history, deeply rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Founded in 1830 by Michael Portier, Mobile’s first Catholic bishop, it holds the distinction of being Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning, the first Catholic college in the Southeast, the third oldest Jesuit college, and the fifth oldest Catholic college in the United States. This enduring legacy is built upon the principle of cura personalis – care for the whole person – fostering intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth in its students.

Historical Roots and Enduring Mission

From its inception, Spring Hill College has committed to providing a well-rounded higher education, emphasizing academic excellence, service to others, and a passion for knowledge. As one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States, it upholds a four-century-old tradition of educational rigor and a dedication to community engagement. The college’s mission is to form leaders engaged in learning, faith, justice, and service, preparing them for success during and after their time on the Hill.

Academics and Programs

Spring Hill College prides itself on its award-winning academic programs, delivered by expert faculty with real-world experience. The core of its academics is a liberal arts education, promoting holistic learning and the development of well-rounded professionals.

Diverse Offerings: The college offers more than 52 undergraduate majors and concentrations, along with various graduate programs and options for adult learners.

Intimate Learning Environment: With an average class size of 13 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, Spring Hill emphasizes close connections and one-on-one mentoring.

Strong Outcomes: A remarkable 99.5% of the Class of 2019 attained placement within six months of graduation through employment, graduate/professional school, internships, or service. The Class of 2020 saw a 100% acceptance rate into medical school for its applicants, and the Teacher Education program boasts a 100% certification rate and a 92% placement rate over the last five years.

Noteworthy Programs: Spring Hill College has been honored as a College of Distinction for its Business and Nursing programs. Its four-year nursing program is ranked #1 in the state of Alabama.

Return on Investment: Forbes Magazine has listed Spring Hill College among the top 10 colleges and universities in the country for return on investment (ROI).

Popular Majors (2023): Some of the most common Bachelor’s Degree concentrations include General Business Administration & Management, General Psychology, and General Biological Sciences.

Student Body and Campus Life

Spring Hill College fosters a close-knit community with a vibrant campus life.

Enrollment (2023): The total enrollment in 2023 was 977 students (undergraduate and graduate), with 86.2% enrolled full-time.

Diversity: Students hail from 31 states and 30 countries. The student body is approximately 61% women and 39% men, with 56% of students from outside Alabama and 38% identifying as Catholic. The enrolled student population is 58% White, 13.8% Black or African American, 9.11% Hispanic or Latino, 1.94% Two or More Races, 1.43% Asian, and 0.716% American Indian or Alaska Native.

Residential Experience: Spring Hill guarantees all full-time undergraduate students on-campus housing for four years, with 70% of undergraduates living on campus.

Engagement: Students contribute an average of 24,000 hours to the local community annually through the Foley Center. There are more than 70 clubs and student organizations, alongside an 18-hole golf course and an 18-hole disc golf course on campus.

Spiritual Growth: True to its Catholic tradition, the college nurtures both personal and social dimensions of faith, encouraging students to engage in service to the community.

Athletics

The Spring Hill College Badgers have a long and proud athletic tradition, participating in intercollegiate athletics since 1889.

• NCAA Division II: The college currently fields 16 teams that compete within NCAA Division II, primarily in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) or the Gulf South Conference (GSC).
• Notable Success: Since 1979, SHC has produced 61 NAIA All-Americans and 180 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes.
• Sports Offered: Varsity sports include baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s track, women’s beach volleyball, women’s volleyball, and cheerleading. Club sports include rugby, cheerleading, and a dance team.
• ROTC Programs: Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC are available.

Campus Facilities and Resources

Spring Hill College offers a range of facilities and student services to support academic and personal success.

• Academic Support: These include the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) and the Center for Academic Support and Advising (CASA), Burke Memorial Library, and various computer and science labs.
• Recreational Facilities: The Outlaw Recreation Center provides opportunities for physical activity. The campus also features an 18-hole golf course and an 18-hole disc golf course.
• Dining and Bookstore: Campus dining options and a Barnes & Noble Bookstore serve the student community.
• Student Publications: The college has several publications, including The Springhillian, PAX, and The Motley.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Spring Hill College strives to make its education accessible.

Acceptance Rate (2023): The acceptance rate in 2023 was 59.1% (1,347 admissions from 2,279 applications).

Tuition (2023): Undergraduate tuition was $22,820.

Financial Aid: Nearly 100% of Spring Hill College students receive financial aid. Tuition and fees before financial aid or merit awards are $25,550, with an average room and board of $12,750 annually. The college encourages students to explore various financial aid options, including federal aid (FAFSA school code: 001041), private loans, external scholarships, and employer reimbursement. They also offer tuition discounts for active-duty military, reservists, Guard members, and their spouses for online programs.

Net Price (2023): The average net price after financial aid was $20,271.

Endowment and Grants

While a specific recent overall endowment figure is not readily available, a 2004 report indicated an endowment of $26.1 million. The college actively seeks and receives grants to support its initiatives. For example, in October 2024, Spring Hill College received an $188,882 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to continue funding “From Clotilda to Community: The History of Mobile, Alabama’s Africatown,” an educational initiative for K-12 teachers.

Notable Alumni

Spring Hill College boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:

• Paul Morphy: Renowned chess master.
• Jeremiah Denton: U.S. Senator and Vietnam War POW.
• Nick Bollettieri: Legendary tennis coach.
• Alexis M. Herman: Former U.S. Secretary of Labor.
• Fannie E. Motley: First African American to graduate from Spring Hill College.
• Jim Hendry: Former General Manager of the Chicago Cubs.
• Colman McCarthy: Journalist, author, and peace activist.
• Samuel D. McEnery: Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Louisiana.

Spring Hill College continues to uphold its tradition of academic excellence and service, providing a transformative education rooted in Jesuit values for future generations of leaders.

FAQs about Spring Hill College

What is Spring Hill College known for?
Spring Hill College is known for being Alabama’s oldest institution of higher learning and the first Catholic college in the Southeast. It is recognized for its strong Jesuit tradition, academic excellence, service-based education, and high return on investment.

When was Spring Hill College founded?
Spring Hill College was founded in 1830 by Michael Portier, the first Catholic bishop of Mobile.

What is the religious affiliation of Spring Hill College?
Spring Hill College is a Jesuit, Catholic institution that integrates faith, justice, and service into its educational mission.

What academic programs does Spring Hill College offer?
The college offers over 52 undergraduate majors and concentrations, as well as graduate and adult learning programs, with a strong foundation in liberal arts education.

What are some of the most popular majors at Spring Hill College?
Popular majors include General Business Administration & Management, General Psychology, and General Biological Sciences.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Spring Hill College?
The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.

What is the average class size at Spring Hill College?
The average class size is 13 students, allowing for personalized attention and mentoring.

What is the placement rate for graduates of Spring Hill College?
99.5% of the Class of 2019 achieved placement within six months of graduation through employment, further education, internships, or service.

What are the medical school acceptance and teacher certification rates?
In 2020, medical school applicants had a 100% acceptance rate, and the Teacher Education program has a 100% certification rate with a 92% placement rate over five years.

Does Spring Hill College offer financial aid?
Yes, nearly 100% of students receive financial aid. The average net price after aid is $20,271.

What is the tuition cost at Spring Hill College?
Undergraduate tuition for 2023 was $22,820, with average room and board costing $12,750 annually.

What is the acceptance rate at Spring Hill College?
The acceptance rate in 2023 was 59.1%.

Does Spring Hill College have on-campus housing?
Yes, all full-time undergraduate students are guaranteed on-campus housing for four years, and 70% of undergraduates live on campus.

How diverse is the student body at Spring Hill College?
Students come from 31 states and 30 countries. The student population is 58% White, 13.8% Black or African American, 9.11% Hispanic or Latino, and includes other racial and ethnic groups.

What athletic programs are available at Spring Hill College?
Spring Hill fields 16 NCAA Division II teams in sports such as basketball, soccer, golf, volleyball, and more. Club sports include rugby, cheerleading, and dance.

What conference does Spring Hill College compete in?
Spring Hill College competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and the Gulf South Conference (GSC).

Does Spring Hill College have ROTC programs?
Yes, Spring Hill offers both Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs.

What types of campus facilities are available?
Facilities include the Burke Memorial Library, Center for Academic Excellence, science and computer labs, dining facilities, a bookstore, and recreational centers including an 18-hole golf course and disc golf course.

How do students engage with the community?
Students contribute around 24,000 service hours annually through the Foley Center, participating in various community engagement and service-learning projects.

What student organizations and clubs are offered?
There are more than 70 clubs and student organizations on campus, covering academic, cultural, service, and recreational interests.

What recent grants has Spring Hill College received?
In October 2024, the college received a $188,882 NEH grant to support the Africatown education initiative for K–12 teachers.

Who are some notable alumni of Spring Hill College?
Notable alumni include chess master Paul Morphy, U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton, tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, and Fannie E. Motley, the college’s first African American graduate.

Is Spring Hill College considered a good investment?
Yes, Forbes ranked Spring Hill College among the top 10 colleges and universities in the U.S. for return on investment.

What publications are produced by Spring Hill College students?
Student publications include The Springhillian, PAX, and The Motley.