Allen University
A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here. 80% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
Allen University is a private nonprofit institution located in Columbia, South Carolina with approximately 635 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 32% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $11,081 per year. The graduation rate is 13%, and the typical graduate earns $26,400 within 10 years of enrollment.
Allen University is a private historically black university in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. It has more than 600 students and still serves a predominantly Black constituency. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Allen University Historic District.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: freshman retention is a promising 90%, suggesting students feel connected once they arrive, but the 13% graduation rate is a serious red flag that demands explanation before committing. On the financial side, the average net price of $11,081/year and median debt of just $12,000 are genuinely affordable, though median earnings of $26,400 a decade out raise real questions about return on investment. This HBCU's historic campus and tight-knit community in Columbia, SC make it worth a closer look for students who thrive in smaller settings, but have an honest conversation with current students about what's driving that graduation rate.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (635 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in South Carolina
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Trident Technical College
Charleston, SC · Public
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC · Public
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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