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Claflin University

PrivateHBCUTown: Distant

About Claflin University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Claflin University is a private historically Black university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It offers programs in psychology, business, biology, and criminal justice, with a growing reputation as one of the top-ranked HBCUs in the nation.

Founded

1869

Location

Orangeburg, South Carolina

Students

1,827

Institution

Private

Known For

HBCU

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

64.9%

Moderately selective

Graduation Rate

51.6%

Below national average

Tuition

$18,282

Per year

Avg Net Price

$17,800

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not Considered

Test-blind. Grades and essays decide

Median Earnings

$40,304

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
64.9%

Selective

64.9 out of 100 applicants get in

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Blind

Application Fee

$30

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

With a 64.9% acceptance rate, Claflin University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
51.6%

Average

51.6% complete their degree within six years

Retention

75.5%

4-Year Grad

38%

6-Year Grad

51%

Teaching Quality

13:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

72%

$/Student

$10.3K

Class Size

Medium

The 38% graduation rate is below average, but 75.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$18,282

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$9,480

Books & Supplies

$950

Total Cost of Attendance

$33,530

After Financial Aid

$17,800

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$16,354

Receive Grants

73.5%

Take Loans

73.6%

The total cost of attendance runs about $33,530/yr, including $9,480 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $17,800.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Claflin University fund their education.

While in School

73.5%

Get Grants

Free money

73.6%

Take Loans

Must repay

$25,693

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$29,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$307/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Graduates leave with $29,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Claflin University.

Gender

70.6%

Female

/

29%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

89.2%
2.4%
2.3%
0.8%
0.1%
0.1%
Black
White
International
Hispanic
Asian
Multiracial

Enrollment

1,706

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

121

Graduates

32.4%

First-Gen

21 yrs

Avg Age

9.6%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 71% of the student body. 32.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Town: Distant

Town: Distant

Campus Quick Facts

1,706

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Liberal Arts

Classification

HBCU

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

No

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

Yes

Evening College

Yes

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Claflin University fields 7 varsity teams with 198 student athletes, about 12% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division II without football

Conference

Central

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

7

Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)

Student Athletes

198

12% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

52% / 48%

102

Men

/

96

Women

5

Men's Teams

6

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
41
Track (Out)
40
Baseball
40
Track (In)
32
Basketball
19
Softball

Every Varsity Team

Track and Field (Outdoor)41Baseball40Track and Field (Indoor)40Basketball32Softball19Cross Country13Volleyball13

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Claflin Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$40,304

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$29K
6yr
$29K
8yr
$40K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Psychology, General

$27K

51 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$77K

39 grads

1yr Earnings

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$23K

30 grads

1yr Earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections

$29K

30 grads

1yr Earnings

Biology, General

$26K

22 grads

1yr Earnings

Communication and Media Studies

$23K

21 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates earn about $29K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Claflin University

What is the acceptance rate at Claflin University?
Claflin University has an acceptance rate of 64.9%. With a 64.9% acceptance rate, Claflin University admits most students who meet the academic standards. Focus on putting together a complete, thoughtful application.
How much does Claflin University cost?
Tuition at Claflin University is $18,282 for in-state students and $18,282 for out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance runs about $33,530/yr, including $9,480 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $17,800.
What is the graduation rate at Claflin University?
Claflin University has a graduation rate of 51.6%. The 38% graduation rate is below average, but 75.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do Claflin University graduates earn?
The median earnings for Claflin University graduates is $40,304 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $29K six years out, growing to $40K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.