Selma University

Selma University is a private, nonprofit historically Black university in Selma, Alabama, founded in 1878 and rooted in the Baptist tradition. Its focus is distinctive: alongside business, biology, general education and allied health, the school places biblical studies, pastoral ministry and Christian leadership at the center of its academic mission. It is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education to award associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For students considering a smaller, faith-centered institution, the key questions are whether the available program matches their career plan and whether they can fund attendance without federal student aid.

Degrees and areas of study

Current degree listings include an applied religion certificate; associate and bachelor’s degrees in theology; bachelor’s programs in Bible and pastoral ministry, business administration, biology and general education; and master’s programs in Bible and Christian education, Bible and pastoral ministry, and business administration. Allied health offers an associate degree in health science focused on patient care technology, with training or certifications listed in patient care technology, phlebotomy and ECG technology. Biology concentrations include health science and physical education. The university also lists a graduate ministry capstone. Program titles and availability can change, so confirm the current curriculum, delivery format and any professional certification requirements with Academic Affairs. The degree program directory provides the current list.

Campus and student comments

The main campus is at 1501 Boynton Street, Selma, AL 36701. The university’s main office lists hours Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.; the Google Maps listing separately shows Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and closed Friday through Sunday. Because these posted schedules differ, call before visiting and confirm which office or building you need. The main phone is 334-526-1718.

There are few public student comments, and the reviews currently visible on Niche are dated 2014, so they offer only a limited and old snapshot. In those comments, students mention helpful instructors and a quiet campus; another describes a financial-aid check issue that required correction. Prospective students should ask current students about class support and campus life, and get written confirmation of their aid eligibility and account balance from the university before enrolling.

Tuition, scholarships and a crucial aid limitation

The university’s posted tuition schedule lists undergraduate tuition of $2,400 per semester for 12–18 credits, or $4,800 per academic year, at $200 per credit. On-campus room and board is listed at $3,600 per semester, bringing the published on-campus tuition and room-and-board figure to $6,000 per semester or $12,000 per year, before additional fees or personal expenses. The page lists several per-semester fees but does not show amounts for each one. Rates can change, so request a complete bill for the intended course load and housing plan.

Selma University currently states that it is not eligible to participate in federal student-aid programs, including Pell Grants, federal loans and Federal Work-Study. This can materially affect how a student pays for college. Confirm the university’s current eligibility status and the availability of any state or institutional aid before committing. Its 2026–27 Blue & White Scholarship page lists a tuition reduction of $1,000 for full-time enrollment, $700 for 9–11 credits, $450 for 6–8 credits and $200 for 3–5 credits; the published offer is limited to the first 50 students completing enrollment, subject to available funding. The Presidential Scholarship is open to eligible high-school seniors with at least a 3.8 GPA and is described as covering tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, plus a $300 book-and-supply stipend each semester; renewal requires a 3.0 GPA. Review all requirements on the scholarship page.

Admissions and contact

The Admissions Office lists weekday hours Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Call 334-526-1718, extension 109, or email admissions@selmau.edu to ask about the application and current enrollment steps. Academic Affairs lists hours Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; call the same main number, extension 104, or email c.washington@selmau.edu. Use the university’s contact page to arrange a visit or verify current office hours before traveling.