University of Mobile: Christ-Centered Education, Programs, Admissions and Campus Life Overview

The University of Mobile, a private Christian institution in Mobile, Alabama, offers a dynamic and faith-based educational experience rooted in its founding mission of “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” Established in 1961 as Mobile College by the Alabama Baptist State Convention and renamed in 1993, the university has evolved significantly—expanding its academic programs to include associate through doctoral degrees across multiple disciplines.

Known for its strong focus on arts, business, education, health professions, and theology, the university provides a vibrant student life with numerous residence halls, wellness facilities, student organizations, and competitive NAIA athletics.

With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1 and a commitment to affordability—reflected in the 92% of students receiving financial aid—the university emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and career preparation. Accredited by SACSCOC and multiple program-specific bodies, the University of Mobile continues to stand out for its Christ-centered approach, small-campus charm, and impact-driven education.

University of Mobile: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Mobile, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a private, Christian institution with a rich history and a commitment to providing “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.” Founded in 1961 by the Alabama Baptist State Convention as Mobile College, it was renamed the University of Mobile in 1993, reflecting its expanded offerings and broader reach.

History and Evolution

The university’s journey began in 1952 with the Mobile Baptist Association’s vision for a Baptist-affiliated college. After significant community support and fundraising, Mobile College officially opened its doors in 1961, becoming the first senior college chartered in Alabama in 57 years. Over the decades, the university has experienced consistent growth and expansion:

• 1961: Founded as Mobile College.
• 1984: Dr. Michael A. Magnoli, a member of the first graduating class, became the second president, initiating campus expansion and adding graduate programs in education, business administration, nursing, and theology. Intercollegiate athletics also began in 1985.
• 1993: Renamed the University of Mobile.
• 1998: Dr. Mark R. Foley became the third president, focusing on preparing students academically, socially, and spiritually.
• 2000s: Continued campus expansion with new residence halls (Samford Hall, Karlene Farmer Faulkner Hall, The Timbers) and a state-of-the-art auditorium (Ram Hall). The Center for Performing Arts was established, a professional recording studio built, and online academic programs launched.
• 2016: Dr. Timothy L. Smith was named president, significantly expanding academic programs to 76 offerings and establishing the first two doctoral programs.
• 2019: Alumnus Dr. Lonnie Burnett became the fifth president, emphasizing the institution’s dedication to quality Christian higher education.
• 2024: New leadership appointed.

The University of Mobile mascot, the Rams, was chosen by the first freshman class in 1963, representing a powerful animal frequently mentioned in the Bible.

Academics and Programs

The University of Mobile offers a diverse range of academic programs across various schools and colleges, emphasizing a Christ-centered approach to education. Students are encouraged to discover their calling and make an impact on the world.

Schools & Colleges:

1. Alabama School of the Arts
2. College of Arts & Sciences
3. Grace Pilot School of Business
4. School of Christian Studies
5. School of Education
6. Graduate & Professional Programs
7. Celia Wallace College of Health Professionals

Degree Programs:

The university offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees, along with certificates and diplomas. Some of the notable areas of study include:

• Arts: Art, Drama and Theatre Production, Music Performance, Music Technology, Musical Theatre, Voice and Opera.
• Business: Accounting, Business Administration and Management, Marketing, Organizational Behavior Studies.
• Education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English/Language Arts Teacher Education, History Teacher Education, Mathematics Teacher Education, Music Teacher Education, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Science Teacher Education, Social Studies Teacher Education.
• Health Professions: Athletic Training, Family Practice Nurse/Nursing, Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling, Registered Nursing, Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
• Humanities: Advertising, Child Development, Creative Writing, Communication, Journalism, History, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Philosophy, Political Science and Government, Psychology, Religious Studies, Religious Vocations, Sociology.
• Protective Services: Criminology.
• Science, Technology, and Math: Biology, Computer Software Engineering, Information Science, Marine Biology and Oceanography, Mathematics.

The university also offers an Honors Program for academically gifted students, which is an accelerated, interdisciplinary program rooted in the liberal arts and great books of Western culture.

Campus Facilities and Student Life

The University of Mobile campus provides a supportive and engaging environment for its students.

Residential Living: The university offers various residence halls, including Samford Hall, Karlene Farmer Faulkner Hall, and The Timbers, providing a vibrant residential experience. First-time degree-seeking students are typically required to live on campus.

Recreation and Wellness: Campus facilities include:

• Bedsole Commons Fitness Center
• Faulkner Hall Fitness Center (for residents)
• Intramural Complex with lighted fields for football, soccer, and softball
• Swimming Pool
• Sand Volleyball Courts
• Disc Golf Course
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts
• Driving Range

Student Organizations: A wide array of student groups caters to diverse interests, including academic, social, athletic, service-oriented, and religious organizations. These include:

• Student Government Association
• Miss University of Mobile
• University of Mobile Ambassador Program
• Ram Legacy (for first-generation students)
• Campus Activities Board
• University Ministries
• Career Coaches
• Table-Top Gaming Club
• Various honor societies (e.g., Alpha Chi, Beta Chi, Delta Mu Delta)

Athletics

The University of Mobile Rams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The intercollegiate athletic program started in 1985 and has grown significantly.

Enrollment and Admissions

• Total Enrollment (2023): 1,911 students (1,170 full-time, 741 part-time)
• Undergraduate Students (2023): 1,258 admitted from 1,735 applicants.
• Graduate Students: 272 (as per 2025 data).
• Acceptance Rate (2023): 72.5%
• Retention Rate (2023): 72% for full-time undergraduates.
• Student-Faculty Ratio (as per 2025 data): 14:1
• International Students (as per 2025 data): 5% of total enrollment.
• Median Starting Salary for Alumni (as per 2025 data): $39,717

Admissions Requirements:

• Application Fee: $25
• SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile, as per 2025 data): 950–1201
• ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile, as per 2025 data): 21–27 (ACT English: 22-30, ACT Math: 18-26)
• English Language Tests Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees (2023-2025 data):

• Undergraduate Tuition (in-state/out-of-state): Approximately $23,160 – $25,880 per year.
• Graduate Tuition (in-state/out-of-state): Approximately $11,260 per year.
• Room and Board: Typical room charge is around $5,200 – $5,680 per academic year, and board charge is around $4,900. Total room and board is approximately $10,100 – $10,580.
• Books and Supplies: Approximately $1,800.
• Average Total Cost: Around $38,000.

Financial Aid:

The University of Mobile is committed to making education affordable, with a significant percentage of students (92%) receiving financial aid. Financial assistance includes:

• Federal Grants: Pell Grant.
• Federal Loans
• Work Study
• State Grants: Alabama Student Grant (application required; estimated amount $1,710 per year).
• Scholarships:
  • Academic Scholarships: Automatically considered upon admission, with awards like Freshman Academic Scholarships ($13,000/year), Founder’s Scholarship ($11,000/year), Dean’s Scholarship ($10,000/year), and Be Known Community Scholarship ($7,000/year) based on academic achievement and renewable with GPA requirements.
  • Transfer Academic Scholarships: Based on incoming GPA.
  • Talent-based Scholarships: Through auditions/tryouts for performing arts (CPA) and athletics.
  • Ministry-related scholarships/grants.
  • Minister’s Appreciation Grant: For legal dependents of ordained Southern Baptist ministers or other New Testament church ministers.

The average amount of financial aid received by undergraduate students is substantial, at $23,160 (as per 2025 data).

Accreditation and Rankings

Accreditation: The University of Mobile is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Additionally, several programs hold specialized accreditations:

• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for business degrees (Bachelor of Science).
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degree programs in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program.
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for the Associate Degree in Nursing program.
• Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Program.
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) for the Master of Athletic Training Program.
• Teacher education programs are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education.

Rankings (as per 2025 data):

• Global Rank: #4683 of 14,131 (EduRank)
• National Rank (U.S.): #1224 of 2,496 (EduRank); #1,238 (CWUR)
• Regional Rank (North America): #1301 of 2,597 (EduRank)
• State Rank (Alabama): #22 of 33 (EduRank)
• Mobile City Rank: #3 of 3 (EduRank)

The University of Mobile is particularly noted in rankings for its programs in:

1. Religious Studies
2. Education
3. Nursing
4. Business
5. Medicine (specifically Surgery, Anatomy and Physiology, Radiology and Nuclear medicine, Pathology, Psychiatry)
6. Biology (Genetics, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Paleontology)
7. Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, History)

The University of Mobile remains dedicated to its mission of providing a Christ-centered higher education experience that prepares students for meaningful lives and impactful careers.

FAQs about University of Mobile

What is the University of Mobile known for?
The University of Mobile is known for its Christ-centered education, strong programs in nursing, business, education, music, and theology, and its commitment to preparing students for purposeful lives and careers.

When was the University of Mobile founded?
The university was founded in 1961 as Mobile College and was renamed the University of Mobile in 1993.

What type of institution is the University of Mobile?
It is a private, Christian university affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

Where is the University of Mobile located?
It is located in Mobile, Alabama, United States.

What is the student enrollment at the University of Mobile?
As of 2023, total enrollment is 1,911 students, including 1,170 full-time and 741 part-time students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at the University of Mobile?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 as per 2025 data.

Is the University of Mobile accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), with several programs holding specialized accreditations.

What are the main academic programs offered?
The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields like nursing, business, education, arts, theology, science, and humanities.

What schools and colleges are part of the University of Mobile?
They include the Alabama School of the Arts, College of Arts & Sciences, Grace Pilot School of Business, School of Christian Studies, School of Education, Graduate & Professional Programs, and Celia Wallace College of Health Professionals.

Does the University of Mobile offer graduate and doctoral programs?
Yes, it offers both graduate and doctoral programs in areas such as nursing, education, theology, and business.

What are the admission requirements for undergraduate students?
Applicants typically need to submit SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and an application with a $25 fee. The SAT range is 950–1201, and ACT range is 21–27.

Does the University of Mobile accept international students?
Yes, international students are welcome and make up about 5% of the total student body. TOEFL and IELTS scores are accepted for English proficiency.

What is the acceptance rate at the University of Mobile?
The acceptance rate is 72.5% as of 2023.

What is the retention rate for first-year students?
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates is 72% (2023).

What is the tuition at the University of Mobile?
Undergraduate tuition ranges from $23,160 to $25,880 annually. Graduate tuition is approximately $11,260 per year.

How much is room and board at the University of Mobile?
Room and board typically cost between $10,100 and $10,580 annually.

Is financial aid available?
Yes, about 92% of students receive some form of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.

What types of scholarships are offered?
The university offers academic, talent-based, transfer, ministry-related scholarships, and a Minister’s Appreciation Grant for dependents of ordained ministers.

Does the University of Mobile have an Honors Program?
Yes, it offers an Honors Program for high-achieving students, focused on interdisciplinary learning rooted in the liberal arts.

What athletic teams does the University of Mobile have?
The Rams compete in the NAIA with a range of men’s and women’s sports programs.

What student organizations are available?
There are numerous organizations including the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, honor societies, University Ministries, and special interest clubs.

What campus facilities are available for students?
Facilities include fitness centers, intramural sports fields, a swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, disc golf course, tennis courts, and performing arts venues.

Is on-campus housing available?
Yes, residence halls like Samford Hall, Faulkner Hall, and The Timbers are available, and first-time degree-seeking students are generally required to live on campus.

Who is the mascot of the University of Mobile?
The mascot is the Ram, chosen by the first freshman class in 1963.

What is the average starting salary for graduates?
The median starting salary for University of Mobile alumni is approximately $39,717.

What is the university’s ranking nationally and globally?
As of 2025 data, it ranks #1224 in the U.S. (EduRank) and #4683 globally. In Alabama, it ranks #22 of 33.

Which programs are ranked or recognized?
Programs in nursing, religious studies, business, education, biology, and liberal arts are particularly well-regarded in national and global rankings.

Does the University of Mobile offer online courses?
Yes, the university offers several online programs and courses, particularly at the graduate and professional levels.

What is the mission of the University of Mobile?
Its mission is to integrate faith and learning in a Christ-centered academic environment to prepare students for meaningful lives and impactful careers.