About Claflin University
Students pay an average net price of $21,232 after financial aid, with 73% receiving federal Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,304 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $29,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment of $307 represents a manageable burden for most graduates, especially given the strong employment rate of 95.8% among recent alumni.
The student body is 74% female and 90% Black, creating a supportive environment where students see themselves reflected in campus leadership and academic programs. Panthers compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports through the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. The 79% retention rate shows most students find their place on this historic campus, though the 49% four-year graduation rate suggests academic rigor that challenges students to persist through their degree programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.1%
- Retention Rate
- 78.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,304
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,648 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $33,993 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,281 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,476 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
Campus Life
With housing capacity for 1,171 students and total enrollment of 1,727, most underclassmen live on campus in residence halls that foster the tight community feel this HBCU is known for. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic progress. Weekend life revolves around campus events, Panthers athletic games in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and trips to nearby cities. Students often gather for step shows, Greek life activities, and community service projects that reflect the university's Methodist values. The campus traditions include homecoming celebrations that bring alumni back to reconnect with current students, strengthening the lasting network that many HBCUs are famous for building.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,171 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1869
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–56°F
- July Avg
- 71°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 93.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 26.4%
- Women
- 73.6%
- White
- 1.2%
- Black
- 90.0%
- Hispanic
- 0.9%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 86.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 72.6%
Location
- Address
- Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115-4498
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,304
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $40,384
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 25.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $307/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $29,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Claflin University?
Claflin University accepts 78% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private institution. This historically black university in South Carolina draws primarily from its home state, with 87% of students coming from within South Carolina.
How much does Claflin University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,232 annually at Claflin University. With 73% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university serves a predominantly lower-income population and offers the same tuition rate of $17,046 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Claflin University?
Claflin University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,727 students. The small class sizes reflect the university's focus on personalized education typical of historically black colleges and universities founded during Reconstruction.
What are the graduation rates at Claflin University?
Claflin University has a 49% six-year graduation rate, which is below the national average but common among HBCUs serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,304 ten years after graduation, with a 96% employment rate reflecting strong career outcomes.
Where do students live at Claflin University?
Claflin University houses students in campus facilities with a capacity of 1,171, nearly matching the total enrollment of 1,727. The small-town setting of Orangeburg provides a close-knit campus community typical of historically black universities in the South.
Is Claflin University a historically black university?
Yes, Claflin University is an HBCU founded in 1869 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The student body is 90% Black, maintaining its historical mission of serving African American students in higher education.
