College Search
Claflin University

Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · Town · 1,706 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$17,800
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
50%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
69% typical
$40,304
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$58,391 typical
65%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

As South Carolina’s oldest historically Black university (HBCU) and the state's first higher education institution open to all regardless of race, Claflin University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and social justice. Prospective students will find exceptional strength in the university’s STEM-focused School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics—particularly in biology, chemistry, and computer science—as well as its highly regarded business and education programs. The campus culture is defined by a close-knit, supportive environment known as the "Claflin Family," offering a vibrant student experience through NCAA Division II athletics, active Greek life, and over 60 student organizations. This supportive network is further enhanced by prestigious, distinctive opportunities like the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, which prepares high-achieving scholars for global leadership through specialized research and study abroad programs.

Wikipedia:Claflin University is a private historically black liberal arts college in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1869 after the American Civil War by northern missionaries for the education of freedmen and their children, it offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Location
Orangeburg, SC, 29115-4498 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
RDU · Raleigh-Durham
202 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$18,282
Housing & food (on campus)$9,480
Books & supplies$950
Cost of attendance$33,530
Average net price$17,800
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$18,282
Housing & food (on campus)$9,480
Books & supplies$950
Cost of attendance$33,530
Average net price$17,800
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$16,354
$30–48k
$21,118
$48–75k
$22,279
$75–110k
$23,502
$110k+
$25,071
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
50%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
41%
Back for yr 2
75%
Transferred
26%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
52% graduated · 35% transferred · 1% still enrolled · 13% left or unknown
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$29,227
10 yrs after entry$40,304
Debt
Median at graduation$29,000
Monthly payment$307
Middle 50% owe$9.5k–$36.8k
90th percentile$45,000
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
65%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard

Wondering if Claflin University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Claflin University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 29%Women 71%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
73%
First-gen
32%
Family income
$25,693
Independent
15%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
7%
Race & ethnicity
White
2%
Hispanic
1%
Black
89%
Non-resident
2%
Unknown
5%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II without football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$29,227
After 10 yrs
$40,304
Psychology, General51
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing39
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness30
Criminal Justice and Corrections30
Biology, General22
Communication and Media Studies21
Fine and Studio Arts16
Human Resources Management and Services16
Business Administration, Management and Operations12
Marketing12
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods10
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology9
Sociology8
Educational Administration and Supervision7
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other7
Computer Science6
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$73M
Full-time faculty
72%
Faculty salary
$7,329/mo
Teaching spend
$10,302
per student
Federal loans
74%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Claflin University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search