9 things you need to know about the University of Montevallo including a legendary homecoming tradition

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Nestled in a charming town less than 45 minutes from Birmingham, you’ll find the University of Montevallo (UM)—a small, yet mighty public liberal arts university. From a brand new arts center to a legendary homecoming tradition, here are nine things that will make you shout “Go Falcons!”—plus how to apply now.

1. UM’s campus is stunning

With its fresh white columns, expansive lawns, charming brick walkways and huge oak trees, UM’s campus is a place that captures your heart and never lets go. You won’t just fall in love with its beauty—you’ll be captivated by it. 

Designed by the architects behind New York’s Central Park and the grounds surrounding North Carolina’s Biltmore House, UM’s campus has earned widespread acclaim. Southern Living Magazine even named it one of the South’s most beautiful colleges in 2020. 

2. Montevallo’s undergraduate + graduate academic programs are top-notch

UM offers exceptional undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Here’s a closer look:

• Undergrad degrees are offered across four colleges:
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business
  • Education & Human Development
  • Fine Arts
• There are more than 30 degree programs + more than 70 majors and concentrations.
• Class sizes are small, providing more individualized help from faculty and hands-on experience for students.
• Highly-acclaimed graduate programs are available with flexible options to earn a master’s degree at your convenience.

Ready to become a University of Montevallo Falcon? Apply now.

3. Montevallo’s a short drive from Birmingham

DYK? Montevallo is less than 45 minutes from Birmingham. Located off I-65 between Calera and Alabaster, it’s just a quick drive to Birmingham-area restaurants, shopping and more.

4. The University of Montevallo is public + affordable

College is a huge investment, so it’s important to apply to schools that offer a quality education at an affordable price.

UM is the only public liberal arts university in the state, and while its small size gives the experience of a private college, it has the affordability of a state-supported institution. 

In fact, UM ranked #4 on US News & World Report’s 2024 list of Best Value Schools in the South.

5. The University of Montevallo is on a tuition freeze

Speaking of affordability…with living costs at an all-time high, UM is making sure students don’t have to put their education on the back burner. 

For the sixth consecutive year, The UM Board of Trustees voted to freeze tuition to help with college affordability and access. The university has also continued to increase scholarships every year.

6. Montevallo’s homecoming tradition is like no other

Homecoming is a huge event at many colleges and universities, but I bet you’ll never find a tradition as unique as UM’s College Night. And no—it doesn’t even involve football. 

Each year, students from all majors “pledge” their allegiance to one of two sides—purple or gold—and commit to either being part of the annual event or cheering it on from the sidelines. 

Students from both sides spend months working on a one-act musical theatre production to bring to the ultimate College Night competition between Gold and Purple. They write it, cast it, create the props and costumes, choreograph it and more! It’s a whole theatrical production created solely by UM students.  

For more than 100 years, this must-see, spirited tradition has brought something magical to UM. It’s also a time when alumni return to campus to relive their glory days and root on Purple and Gold. 

Cool fact: College Night was selected as a Local Legacy for the Library of Congress’s bicentennial. 

7. The Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts is brand new

UM is a wonderful place to grow your love for the arts—especially with the school’s Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts that opened in Fall 2020.

Featuring 36,750 square feet of space, the Center serves students in the College of Fine Arts departments of art, communication, music, theatre and dance.

Check out the Center’s impressive list of features:

• 2 performing venues
• Art gallery
• Dance studio
• Multiple classrooms
• Digital fabrication lab
• Design labs with animation software
• State-of-the-art production shops
• Sculpture garden
• Vocal performance rehearsal rooms
• Public pocket park
• And more!

8. The new Stephens College of Business building is high-tech

In Fall 2020, UM also opened a new Stephens College of Business building. The 10,000-square-foot facility includes:

• Large student commons + event space
• 2 additional technology-enhanced classrooms
• Student study rooms
• Professional development spaces
• Case presentation boardroom

9. UM’s sports are attracting attention

A great way to get into the college spirit is to cheer on the UM Falcons’ many sports teams. With 23 NCAA DII sports, you can enjoy everything from baseball, soccer and golf to cross country, volleyball and lacrosse.

UM’s list of Athletic and Special Programs is growing, too. Mountain biking joined the roster this year, while acrobatics and tumbling will begin in 2024-2025.

BONUS: UM even has a Bass Fishing Team, which has been named Bass Pro Shops School of the Year for three consecutive years. 

Ready to become a University of Montevallo Falcon? Learn more by visiting UM’s website and following them on Facebook and Instagram.

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