Birmingham–Southern College (BSC) is a private liberal arts college located three miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, United States. Founded in 1856, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Approximately 1400 students from 30 states and 23 countries attend the college. BSC has a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, and 98% of full-time faculty hold a doctorate or the highest degree in their field.