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Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC·Private nonprofit·1,727 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. 73% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

73%
Accept
1,727
Students
$21,232
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$30,700
Earnings
10 yr
$22,049
Debt

About This School

Claflin University is a private nonprofit institution located in Orangeburg, South Carolina with approximately 1,727 undergraduate students enrolled. Claflin University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 73%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,232 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $30,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 49% graduation rate means fewer than half of students who start actually finish, which is a real concern worth weighing carefully. On the positive side, this HBCU has a strong sense of community and historical mission dating back to 1869, and the average net price of $21,232/year is manageable — though median earnings of $30,700 a decade out mean you'll want to keep borrowing in check. Worth considering if you're drawn to a close-knit HBCU experience and have a clear plan to stay enrolled and graduate.

Founded
1869
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Psychology15%
Business & Marketing15%
Health Professions12%
Biological Sciences10%
Education7%
Communications6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Social Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$17,046
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,046
Avg Net Price
$21,232
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants73%
Median debt at graduation$22,049

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$30,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,049
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,049
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$30,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.4x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White1%
Black90%
Hispanic/Latino1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,727 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Claflin University

400 Magnolia Street

Orangeburg, SC 29115-4498

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

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.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • 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.
Trademarks

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