Talladega College: Historic HBCU Empowering Students Through Education and Excellence

Talladega College, founded in 1867 by descendants of formerly enslaved people, is Alabama’s first private historically Black liberal arts college and a symbol of educational empowerment and resilience. Rooted in a mission to provide opportunity and equality through education, it offers 18 academic programs and has earned national recognition for academic excellence, affordability, and social mobility.

Its historic campus blends tradition with modern amenities, including the iconic Amistad Murals and state-of-the-art facilities. With a strong focus on student support, leadership, and cultural engagement, the college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, a growing endowment of $76.2 million, and a robust athletics program. Talladega College continues to foster success and equity while honoring its storied legacy.

Talladega College: A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Talladega College, a private, four-year, co-educational liberal arts college, holds a distinguished place in American history as Alabama’s first private historically black liberal arts college. Founded in 1867 by the descendants of enslaved people who helped construct its first building, Swayne Hall (now a national historic site), Talladega College was a pioneer in admitting qualified individuals of any race or ethnic origin. Over 150 years later, it continues to be recognized for its academic excellence, rich traditions, and commitment to student success.

A Storied History Rooted in Purpose

The genesis of Talladega’s mission began on November 20, 1865, when two former slaves, William Savery and Thomas Tarrant, met with other freedmen in Mobile, Alabama. Their resolute commitment to education, “We regard the education of our children and youths as vital to the preservation of our liberties, and true religion as the foundation of all real virtue and shall use our utmost endeavors to promote these blessings in our common country,” laid the groundwork for the institution. With the assistance of the American Missionary Association, Talladega College opened its doors, providing educational opportunities to a population historically denied them.

The campus itself is a testament to its history, featuring breathtaking historic buildings alongside state-of-the-art facilities. Notable structures include De Forest Chapel (built 1903), Juliette Derricotte House (1940-41), and the more recent Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center and Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art (both opened in 2020), which proudly houses Hale Woodruff’s critically acclaimed Amistad Murals.

Academic Programs and Excellence

Talladega College offers 18 academic degrees across various divisions, preparing students for diverse career paths. The college consistently receives accolades, being listed among the Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges in the Southeast,” U.S. News & World Report’s “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges,” “Best HBCUs,” and “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” Kiplinger’s also recognized Talladega as the second-best college in the nation for “low average graduating debt” in 2019, highlighting its commitment to affordability.

Key academic divisions and popular programs include:

• Division of Humanities and Fine Arts: English, History, Fine Arts, Music Performance, Mass Media Studies, English Language Arts. An Associate of Liberal Arts is also offered.
• Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Computer Information Systems (including a Master of Science program).
• Eunice Walker Johnson Division of Social Sciences and Education: Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Education, Criminal Justice.

Student Life and Campus Resources

Talladega College fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for its diverse student body. Traditions celebrating Black culture and history are woven into campus life through activities like band, Greek life, and athletics. The college provides numerous resources to ensure student success, including:

• Student Success Center: Offers tutoring and support services to help students achieve academic and career goals.
• Housing and Residence Life: A variety of residence halls like Crawford Hall, Ish Hall, Senior Grove, and Arthur D. Shores Hall provide on-campus living. A new residence hall opened in January 2019.
• Student Health Center: Provides primary, preventative, and urgent medical care, staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, Medical Assistant, and Consulting Physician.
• Counseling and Wellness Services: Supports students’ mental and emotional well-being.
• Student Engagement and Leadership Development: Encourages participation in campus activities and leadership roles.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Talladega College is committed to making higher education accessible. The average net price for students, after considering grants and loans, was approximately $12,450 in 2023. A significant 92% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants in 2023.

Students can access various forms of financial assistance:

• Federal Aid: Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Stafford Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Federal Work-Study.
• State Grants: Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP), State VA Educational Assistance/Tuition Assistance.
• Institutional Scholarships: Academic, Athletic, Band, Choral scholarships, and numerous named scholarships and memorials.
• External Scholarships: Including UNCF scholarships.

Athletics

The Talladega College Tornadoes compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The athletic program encompasses a range of sports for both men and women, including:

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball.
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Volleyball.

Andre Payne was recently named the new Athletic Director in June 2025, while continuing to serve as the head women’s basketball coach. The athletic department operates with a balanced budget, with revenues matching expenses at approximately $1.1 million.

Enrollment and Demographics

As of Fall 2023, Talladega College had a total enrollment of 839 students, with a year-round enrollment of 1237. The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 12:1. The college maintains an 88 percent six-year graduation rate.

Accreditation

Talladega College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Additionally, specific programs hold specialized accreditation:

• Social Work program: Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Teacher Education Program: Accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education.

Endowment

As of the end of the 2023 fiscal year, Talladega College’s endowment was valued at approximately $76.2 million, demonstrating significant growth from the previous year. This substantial endowment plays a crucial role in supporting the college’s operations, academic programs, and student financial aid.

Talladega College stands as a testament to perseverance and progress, continuing its mission to provide a transformative educational experience that empowers its students and contributes to a more equitable society.

FAQs about Talladega College

What is Talladega College known for?
Talladega College is known for being Alabama’s first private historically Black liberal arts college, its academic excellence, rich legacy, and strong focus on student success and equity.

When was Talladega College founded?
Talladega College was founded in 1867 by the descendants of formerly enslaved people with support from the American Missionary Association.

Where is Talladega College located?
Talladega College is located in Talladega, Alabama.

What type of institution is Talladega College?
It is a private, four-year, co-educational liberal arts college.

Is Talladega College an HBCU?
Yes, Talladega College is a historically Black college and university (HBCU).

What degrees does Talladega College offer?
Talladega College offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across 18 academic programs.

What are the main academic divisions at Talladega College?
The main divisions are Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and the Eunice Walker Johnson Division of Social Sciences and Education.

What are some popular programs at Talladega College?
Popular programs include Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Mass Media Studies, Criminal Justice, and Education.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Talladega College?
The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 12:1.

How many students are enrolled at Talladega College?
As of Fall 2023, 839 students were enrolled, with 1,237 enrolled year-round.

What is the graduation rate at Talladega College?
Talladega College has an 88% six-year graduation rate.

Is Talladega College accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with additional program-specific accreditations.

Which programs at Talladega have specialized accreditation?
The Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and the Teacher Education program is accredited by the Alabama State Department of Education.

What financial aid options are available at Talladega College?
Students can receive federal aid, state grants, institutional scholarships, and external scholarships including those from UNCF.

How many students receive financial aid?
In 2023, 92% of undergraduates received grant-based financial aid.

What is the average net cost of attending Talladega College?
The average net cost was approximately $12,450 in 2023 after grants and loans.

Does Talladega College offer campus housing?
Yes, it offers several residence halls, including Crawford Hall, Ish Hall, Senior Grove, Arthur D. Shores Hall, and a new residence hall opened in 2019.

What student services are available on campus?
Services include a Student Success Center, Health Center, Counseling and Wellness Services, and leadership development programs.

Are there student organizations and activities at Talladega College?
Yes, students can participate in band, Greek life, athletics, cultural events, and other campus organizations.

What athletic programs does Talladega College offer?
Talladega competes in NAIA with sports including basketball, soccer, track & field, volleyball, baseball, and softball for men and women.

Who is the current Athletic Director?
As of June 2025, Andre Payne serves as Athletic Director and also coaches the women’s basketball team.

What is the size of Talladega College’s endowment?
As of the end of the 2023 fiscal year, the endowment was approximately $76.2 million.

What historic landmarks are located on campus?
Historic buildings include Swayne Hall (a national historic site), De Forest Chapel, and the Juliette Derricotte House.

What art collections are housed at Talladega College?
The Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art features the renowned Amistad Murals by Hale Woodruff.

Is Talladega College recognized in national rankings?
Yes, it is listed by the Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and Kiplinger for excellence, affordability, and social mobility.

Does Talladega College support student mental health?
Yes, through Counseling and Wellness Services, which provide support for emotional and psychological well-being.

Are graduate programs available at Talladega College?
Yes, including a Master of Science program within the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

Does Talladega College offer online or hybrid learning?
While primarily a residential college, some programs may offer online or hybrid options; students should contact admissions for the latest offerings.