At $21,232/yr net price, Claflin University graduates earn $40,304/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,304/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,232 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,928 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,304/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,304/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $29,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,663/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,021/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,768/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,952/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,086/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,648 | $33,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,281 | $35,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $30,771 | |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $30,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $30,827 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $31,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $27,476 | $28,912 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 | $30,000 |
The Risk Factor
49.1% of students at Claflin University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Claflin University delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just over $40,000 ten years after graduation and typical debt loads of $29,000, your financial payoff will be modest at best.
Business administration offers your strongest earning potential at nearly $40,000 annually, though you'll carry $33,000 in debt to get there. Education majors face an even tougher equation with $35,750 in debt for $33,281 in annual earnings. Human resources and general business support roles pay around $30,000, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years.
The 49% graduation rate signals significant academic risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll face loan payments without the credential to justify them. The 79% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands early on.
Your best financial strategy involves maximizing the aid that 73% of students receive. Merit scholarships could significantly improve your return on investment if you qualify. Without substantial aid, the $21,232 annual net price becomes difficult to justify given the earning outcomes.
Claflin makes financial sense primarily for South Carolina residents who receive strong aid packages and plan to work locally in education or business. If you have other options with better graduation rates or earning potential, choose those instead. The combination of modest earnings, high debt loads, and graduation risk creates financial headwinds that many students cannot overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claflin University worth the cost?
Claflin University graduates earn a median of $40,304 ten years after graduation, which is low compared to the $21,232 annual net price and typical $29,000 debt load. The 49% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Claflin University?
Business Administration graduates from Claflin University earn around $39,648, the highest among major programs. Teacher education and human resources graduates typically earn in the low $30,000s, which may struggle to justify the debt burden.
How much debt do Claflin University students graduate with?
Claflin University graduates carry a median debt of $29,000. With typical starting salaries around $40,000, this debt-to-income ratio creates financial strain for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Claflin University?
Only 49% of students graduate from Claflin University, meaning roughly half of students leave without a degree but may still carry student loan debt.