Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Selma University: "Dinkins Memorial Chapel, Alabama Colored University, Selma, Ala." (NBY 6999)
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

Selma University

Selma, AL · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention · Baptist

Selma University is a Baptist Bible college in Selma, Alabama, owned and supported by the Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention. Its chapel meets each Wednesday, on-campus students are required to attend, and every student must complete Christian Service to graduate. Four-year programs require 30 semester hours of Bible and theology.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are required to attend chapel and convocations.

Source: 7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com
What's a normal week?

Chapel services are held each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.

Source: 7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Every student must take part in Christian service, and full-time Bachelor of Arts students complete 60 hours of it.

Source: 7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com

Academic Excellence

Academic Excellence is computed for four-year colleges with at least 100 undergraduates. Seminaries, graduate-only schools, and two-year colleges are not rated.

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

CWorship and chapel: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

66 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One chapel service a week, Wednesdays at 11:00 AM, on the official chapel page.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel Services | Selma University Campus Ministry7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_59fc1b305f564d67ba1c7c644ce6c8db.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our chapel services are held each Wednesday at 11:00AM.”
      Chapel services are held every Wednesday at 11:00 AM; on-campus students must attend.
    2. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are required to attend these Chapel/Convocations. Students are also encouraged to attend the church of their choice for Sunday worship services.”
      Students are required to attend Wednesday Chapel/Convocation services.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Weekly attendance is mandatory for on-campus students; this records the weekly requirement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Chapel Services | Selma University Campus Ministry7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_59fc1b305f564d67ba1c7c644ce6c8db.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our chapel services are held each Wednesday at 11:00AM.”
      Chapel services are held every Wednesday at 11:00 AM; on-campus students must attend.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Selma Universityselmau.edu/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Chapel / Campus Pastor Tarrance L. Scott Sr., D.Min.”
      The campus ministry is led by a named Dean of Chapel and Campus Pastor.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “mandatory for all University events held in the University Chapel”
      The catalog refers to events held in the University Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

87 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Six specified core courses are required of all four-year students, plus four chosen from a list (30 semester hours of Bible and theology in all).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religion and Theology Core Courses REL101 Introduction to Biblical Studies I REL103 Introduction to the Old Testament REL104 Introduction to the New Testament CE/REL200 Introduction to Procreant Servant Leadership CT151 Christian Doctrine I CT152 Christian Doctrine II”
      Six Bible and theology core courses are listed for the required Bible and theology core, including Old and New Testament introductions.
      “All four-year degree programs require at least the minimal core of 30 hours in Bible and Theology:”
      Every four-year degree program requires at least 30 semester hours of Bible and theology.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (REL103 Introduction to the Old Testament and REL104 Introduction to the New Testament are in the required core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religion and Theology Core Courses REL101 Introduction to Biblical Studies I REL103 Introduction to the Old Testament REL104 Introduction to the New Testament CE/REL200 Introduction to Procreant Servant Leadership CT151 Christian Doctrine I CT152 Christian Doctrine II”
      Six Bible and theology core courses are listed for the required Bible and theology core, including Old and New Testament introductions.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required
    Sources (1)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religion and Theology Core Courses REL101 Introduction to Biblical Studies I REL103 Introduction to the Old Testament REL104 Introduction to the New Testament CE/REL200 Introduction to Procreant Servant Leadership CT151 Christian Doctrine I CT152 Christian Doctrine II”
      Six Bible and theology core courses are listed for the required Bible and theology core, including Old and New Testament introductions.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Christian Education”
      The catalog lists a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Christian Education.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
CChristian community: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

55 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named professional ministry leader (Dean of Chapel).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Selma Universityselmau.edu/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Chapel / Campus Pastor Tarrance L. Scott Sr., D.Min.”
      The campus ministry is led by a named Dean of Chapel and Campus Pastor.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Two annual retreats: the Carter and the R.T. Pollard retreats.)
    Sources (2)
    1. R.T. Pollard Retreat | Selma University7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_e179581ef0b94dc99ba1150742861379.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The R.T. Pollard Retreat is held in the spring semester of each year”
      The R.T. Pollard Retreat is held each spring semester.
    2. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The annual Nathan Mitchell Carter and the R.T. Pollard Retreats are the religious high points of the year.”
      The catalog names two annual religious retreats: the Nathan Mitchell Carter and the R.T. Pollard retreats.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (One student ministry organization (the Ministerial Union) found on official pages.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Ministerial Union | Selma University7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_74363d1deb8a4221a6939db1ea550dab.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Selma University Ministerial Union is an ecumenically collaborative fellowship of individuals called to Christian ministry”
      A Ministerial Union student organization meets for ministry training and worship.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Selma Universityselmau.edu/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Chapel / Campus Pastor Tarrance L. Scott Sr., D.Min.”
      The campus ministry is led by a named Dean of Chapel and Campus Pastor.
    2. Faculty and Staff | Selma Universityselmau.edu/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Chapel; Christian Services Director; Academic Coordinator, Division of Religion”
      Tarrance Scott is listed as Dean of Chapel and Christian Services Director.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 3 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (Christian Service Program with a named Christian Services Director.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faculty and Staff | Selma Universityselmau.edu/faculty-staff · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dean of Chapel; Christian Services Director; Academic Coordinator, Division of Religion”
      Tarrance Scott is listed as Dean of Chapel and Christian Services Director.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (The current catalog requires every student to complete Christian service to graduate (six semesters for full-time bachelor's students). The Christian Service handbook is dated 2022 and is not relied on for this value.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Service Requirements for Graduation | Selma University Catalog7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At Selma University every student must be involved in an aspect of Christian Service.”
      Every student must take part in Christian service, and students cannot graduate without meeting the requirement.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Christian Service Handbook7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_59c887ca406f45a583ccc1bdae308dc7.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Christian service is an intentional act of kindness where a student helps others in need by performing good deeds free of charge in a spirit of love that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ as a model.”
      Christian service is defined as an act of kindness that follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held every Wednesday and on-campus students are required to attend.
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel Services | Selma University Campus Ministry7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_59fc1b305f564d67ba1c7c644ce6c8db.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Our chapel services are held each Wednesday at 11:00AM.”
      Chapel services are held every Wednesday at 11:00 AM; on-campus students must attend.
    2. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are required to attend these Chapel/Convocations. Students are also encouraged to attend the church of their choice for Sunday worship services.”
      Students are required to attend Wednesday Chapel/Convocation services.
  • Two annual retreats, the Carter and R.T. Pollard retreats, are named in the catalog.
    Sources (2)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The annual Nathan Mitchell Carter and the R.T. Pollard Retreats are the religious high points of the year.”
      The catalog names two annual religious retreats: the Nathan Mitchell Carter and the R.T. Pollard retreats.
    2. R.T. Pollard Retreat | Selma University7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_e179581ef0b94dc99ba1150742861379.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The R.T. Pollard Retreat is held in the spring semester of each year”
      The R.T. Pollard Retreat is held each spring semester.
  • The required Bible and theology core includes Old and New Testament introductions, and four-year programs require 30 semester hours of Bible and theology.
    Sources (1)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religion and Theology Core Courses REL101 Introduction to Biblical Studies I REL103 Introduction to the Old Testament REL104 Introduction to the New Testament CE/REL200 Introduction to Procreant Servant Leadership CT151 Christian Doctrine I CT152 Christian Doctrine II”
      Six Bible and theology core courses are listed for the required Bible and theology core, including Old and New Testament introductions.
      “All four-year degree programs require at least the minimal core of 30 hours in Bible and Theology:”
      Every four-year degree program requires at least 30 semester hours of Bible and theology.
  • Every student must complete Christian Service to graduate, with 60 hours required for full-time Bachelor of Arts students.
    Sources (2)
    1. Selma University Catalog 2026-20287f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_b4078a5c7a75410ba34f32c081dcf925.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “At Selma University every student must be involved in an aspect of Christian Service.”
      Every student must take part in Christian Service to graduate.
    2. Christian Service Handbook7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_59c887ca406f45a583ccc1bdae308dc7.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “A full-time Bachelor of Arts student must complete 60 hours of Christian service.”
      A full-time Bachelor of Arts student completes 60 hours of Christian service.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry (Dean of Chapel)

  • Address: 1501 Boynton Street, Selma, AL 36701
  • Facilities: University Chapel

Source: selmau.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, selmau.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, 7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Campus Ministry | Selma Universityselmau.edu/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Dean of Chapel / Campus Pastor Tarrance L. Scott Sr., D.Min.”
    The campus ministry is led by a named Dean of Chapel and Campus Pastor.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Faith formation 1

Clubs and groups 1

Retreats 2

Service 1

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Wednesday11:00 AM · Chapel services each Wednesday, per the Campus Ministry chapel page; the catalog gives Wednesday chapel/convocation.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Chapel Services | Selma University Campus Ministry7f36f36b-c569-4f2c-b797-09e8b5d98e64.filesusr.com/ugd/8186aa_59fc1b305f564d67ba1c7c644ce6c8db.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Our chapel services are held each Wednesday at 11:00AM.”
    Chapel services are held every Wednesday at 11:00 AM; on-campus students must attend.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
47
Total students60
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
—
Cost of attendance (per year)—
Median federal debt at graduation—
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
6%
First-year retention67%
Median earnings 10 years after entry—
Admission rate—
Students receiving Pell grants0%

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Campus facts

School colors
SettingTown
Part-time undergraduates31%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older81%
On-campus room and board (per year)$3,600
Students per faculty member3 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is Selma University a Christian college?
Yes. Selma University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention.

Ask the school

Something you want to know that isn’t on this page? Ask it here. We send it to the school, and their answer appears on this page. Your name is never shared.

Sign in to ask a question

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Sign in to write a review.

Reach out

Contact details for Tarrance L. Scott Sr., D.Min. (Dean of Chapel / Campus Pastor) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

Sign in Create a free account

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Sign in or create a free account to rate this school privately, keep notes, and save it to your list.

About this school’s data

Colleges like this one

The same kind of school first, then the closest in selectivity, size and cost.

Not yet ratedMontana Bible CollegeBillings, MTSimilar size and costNot yet ratedCollege of AthensWatkinsville, GASimilar size and costNot yet ratedEvangel University-College of Online LearningSpringfield, MOSimilar size and costNot yet ratedMorris Brown CollegeAtlanta, GASimilar size and cost

More in Alabama · Alabama rankings

0 school selectedCompare

What would it cost your family?

Pick your family’s yearly income. Each college then shows what families like yours paid on average after grants and scholarships (federal data).

Reach, Target or Likely?

Enter an SAT or ACT to sort every college in this search.

Will you get in?

Enter your SAT or ACT. We compare it with the middle range of students the college admitted.