Spelman College
About Spelman College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Spelman College is a private historically Black women's college in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the most selective HBCUs in the nation, with strong programs in psychology, political science, biology, and economics, and a powerful tradition of leadership and social activism.
Founded
1881
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Students
3,414
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
24.9%
Very selective
Graduation Rate
78.5%
Near national average
Tuition
$31,556
Per year
Avg Net Price
$38,967
After financial aid
SAT Average
1220
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$59,993
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Highly Selective
About 4 students apply for every seat
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
Spelman College admits about 24.9% of applicants and is test-optional. Your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars carry significant weight here.
SAT Scores
1220/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
78.5% complete their degree within six years
Retention
94.1%
4-Year Grad
66%
6-Year Grad
76%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
69.5%
$/Student
$15.8K
Class Size
Medium
66% graduate in 4 years, and 94.1% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$31,556
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,091
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$50,952
After Financial Aid
$38,967
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$32,923
Receive Grants
27.8%
Take Loans
48.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $50,952/yr, including $18,091 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $38,967.
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 Spelman College fund their education.
While in School
27.8%
Get Grants
Free money
48.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$43,781
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $60K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Spelman College.
Gender
95%
Female
5%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,414
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
20.7%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
25.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 95% of the student body. 20.7% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
3,414
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Liberal Arts
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Spelman Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,993
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$29K
63 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$39K
53 grads
1yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
$28K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$22K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$60K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
English Language and Literature, General
$31K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $60K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Spelman College
What is the acceptance rate at Spelman College?▾
How much does Spelman College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Spelman College?▾
How much do Spelman College graduates earn?▾
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.