Talladega College, Alabama’s oldest private historically black liberal arts college, has the most compelling origin story in higher education. As enslaved men, William Savery and Thomas Tarrant, our Founders, helped build Swayne Hall, the oldest building on campus and still in operation. They would later purchase the building as freedmen. They regarded the education of 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.”
Since its founding in 1867, Talladega College has faithfully fulfilled its sacred mission. Several respected publications such as Washington Monthly and U.S. News and World Report have celebrated Talladega College as a leader in social mobility, a term in higher education that refers to the ability of an institution to provide students from lower-income backgrounds the opportunity to move up the socio-economic ladder while also providing a first-class education.
Diverse Student Interests Make a Well-Rounded Incoming Class
Talladega College has taken a comprehensive approach to expand its co-curricular activities.
Additionally, the College’s progressive strides have garnered recognition from College Raptor, an online college planning tool that offers side-by-side comparisons of higher education institutions, as a 2024 Hidden Gem HBCU. Talladega was also ranked the 18th Best Online College in Alabama and 20th among the Top HBCU Online MBA Degree Programs of 2024 by Intelligent.com, an online service that provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs.
Talladega College implemented a selective admissions policy last spring that yielded impressive results for the 2023-2024 academic year to further service this mission. 70% of the admitted students met the assured admissions requirement of 3.0 on a rigorous college prep curriculum. The average GPA of the entering class was 3.5. The remaining matriculants were admitted through the Emerging Scholars and presented exceptional credentials beyond the classroom.
A point of honor for Talladega is the fact that 68 percent of its student population is Pell-eligible, meaning the students’ families make $50,000 or less. This point also highlights the institution’s dedication to serving students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. The College undeniably serves a population mandated by our Founders.
“Our mission is to provide a first-class education while empowering students to overcome adversity and reach their full potential,” said Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, president of Talladega College.
In August, Talladega College welcomed 246 members of the Class of 2027 to our community of scholars. These talented first-year students enrich our campus as valedictorians, drum majors, student body leaders, gifted musicians, and decorated athletes.
“We are thrilled to welcome such an academically strong and diverse group of students to Talladega College. This class is a shining example of the potential and promise that defines our institution,” added Vincent.
