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Spelman College

Atlanta, GA·Private nonprofit·3,633 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. strong 76% graduation rate.

34%
Accept
3,633
Students
$36,828
Net Price
76%
Grad Rate
$50,700
Earnings
10 yr
$21,750
Debt

About This School

Spelman College is a private nonprofit institution located in Atlanta, Georgia with approximately 3,633 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 34% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $36,828 per year. The graduation rate is 76%, and the typical graduate earns $50,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Spelman College is a private, historically Black, women's liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is a founding member of the Atlanta University Center academic consortium. Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman awarded its first college degrees in 1901 and is the oldest private historically Black liberal arts institution for women.

This is a strong option for Black women seeking a tight-knit, identity-affirming academic community — the 94% freshman retention rate signals that students who enroll genuinely want to stay. The $36,828 annual net price is a real financial commitment, and while the median earnings of $50,700 after 10 years are reasonable, families should weigh that against the cost carefully. The 76% graduation rate is solid but not exceptional, so it's worth asking what support systems exist for students who struggle to finish.

Founded
1881
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing49%
Social Sciences13%
Psychology8%
Biological Sciences5%
Health Professions5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
English3%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Alice WalkerStacey AbramsTati GabrielleEsther RolleKeshia Knight PulliamMarian Wright EdelmanLaTanya RichardsonBernice KingTayari JonesBernice Johnson ReagonMattiwilda DobbsFaune A. Chambers

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1184
Reading 75th %ile660
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$30,058
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,058
Avg Net Price
$36,828
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants29%
Median debt at graduation$21,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
76%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
94%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

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

White3%
Black74%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,633 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Spelman College

350 Spelman Lane SW

Atlanta, GA 30314-4399

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Georgia

Browse all Georgia 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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