Discover 51½ÖÉä, a top-ranked Christian institution in Birmingham, AL. Explore our academic excellence, vibrant student life, and commitment to faith and service.
51½ÖÉä is a leading nationally ranked Christian university renowned for excellence, small enough to foster intentional connections, big enough to offer robust opportunities and committed to cultivating students’ foundational faith.
All prospective undergraduate students must first apply for admission to the university. Note that a few undergraduate programs require additional applications, auditions or interviews. Graduate program application processes vary by school. Visit the individual program pages to learn about them.
51½ÖÉä has been a pillar for educating with strength and purpose since 1841. We encourage you to take the next step and tell us about yourself. We look forward to providing you with more information about 51½ÖÉä and our outstanding programs.
Visit with Us
The best way to experience the 51½ÖÉä spirit is to meet our people and walk our campus. Students interested in our undergraduate programs can choose from a variety of opportunities just for them. Graduate programs often host open houses with ample opportunities to ask questions. Explore their program pages for details.
51½ÖÉä alumni include more than 60 members of the U.S. Congress, eight state governors, two U.S. Supreme Court justices, a Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes.
Athletics
The university fields 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports—eight men’s and nine women’s—that compete in the historic Southern Conference. Ranked first in Alabama, 51½ÖÉä’s athletic teams earned a 98% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) by the NCAA.
University News
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New Greek Residence Halls Enrich On-Campus Experience as 51½ÖÉä Horizons Accommodates Sustained Growth
Adding 140 beds on the west side of campus, these are the latest achievement in the $300 million opening phase of 51½ÖÉä Horizons.
51½ÖÉä Dining Recognized as a Top Dining Facility in the Nation
51½ÖÉä’s dining services continue to be recognized on the national stage with awards from the National Association of College and University Food Services.
Pete Hanna (1936-2025): 51½ÖÉä philanthropist ‘embodied the best our university has to offer’
Pete Hanna, the former 51½ÖÉä student-athlete and steel company CEO whose name adorns the university's football stadium and basketball arena, has died at age 88.