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Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC·Private nonprofit·1,706 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. median debt is moderately high; earnings barely cover the debt load. 73% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

65%
Accept
1,706
Students
$17,800
Net Price
52%
Grad Rate
$30,700
Earnings
10 yr
$29,000
Debt

About This School

Claflin University is a private nonprofit institution located in Orangeburg, South Carolina with approximately 1,706 undergraduate students enrolled. Claflin University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 65%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,800 per year. The graduation rate is 52%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Wesleyan
Avg Faculty Salary
$7,329

Popular Programs

Psychology22%
Business & Marketing16%
Biological Sciences13%
Health Professions8%
Education7%
Social Sciences5%
Engineering4%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$18,282
Out-of-State Tuition
$18,282
Avg Net Price
$17,800
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$16,354
$30–48k$21,118
$48–75k$22,279
$75–110k$23,502
$110k+$25,071

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants73%
Median debt at graduation$29,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
52%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$30,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$29,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$30,500
Female graduates$25,500

Gap: 16% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$29,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$27,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$30,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.1x

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

White2%
Black89%
Hispanic/Latino1%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,706 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.
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