Birmingham-Southern College to Close Due to Financial Struggles

The Alabama-based institution's closure follows unsuccessful attempts to secure a state loan amid financial difficulties.

Birmingham-Southern College, a private liberal arts institution in Alabama, will cease operations by the end of May due to financial difficulties and the inability to secure a state loan.
The college's board of trustees voted to close after a bill to amend the state program for loans to higher-education institutions lacked support in Alabama’s House of Representatives.
State Treasurer Young Boozer III denied the college's loan application in October 2023, despite the institution meeting all statutory qualifications.
Efforts to amend the law governing the loan program and shift its administration to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education were approved by the state Senate but faced opposition from Boozer and lacked support in the House.
The closure is described as tragic for the college community, Birmingham, and Alabama, with plans in place to assist students in transferring and to help displaced employees.