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's financial picture is weak. You pay $21,232 a year and come out earning about $40,304 a decade later, while carrying $29,000 in median debt. That earnings figure sits below what many bachelor's holders make, and the gap between your net price and your future paycheck is the core problem here.
Among the programs listed, Business Administration is the only one that clears $39,000, and even that comes with the heaviest debt load of the bunch at $33,000. Everything else pays less. Teacher Education graduates earn about $33,281 while borrowing $35,750, so you take on the most debt for a below-median salary. Criminal Justice, Human Resources, and general business degrees all land under $30,000 a year. None of these majors put you in a strong repayment position.
The specific risk at Claflin is the debt-to-earnings mismatch, made worse by a 49% graduation rate. Roughly half of you won't finish, and if you leave with loans and no degree, you're stuck with the debt and none of the earnings bump. The 78.65% retention rate means about one in five of you is gone after the first year.
The net price tiers add another twist: families earning under $30,000 pay $19,663, but the price barely moves as income rises, topping out around $26,086 over $110,000. Middle-income families in the $48,000-$75,000 range pay $25,768, nearly as much as the wealthiest, so there's little price break for being in the middle.
Claflin is a reasonable financial fit if you're pursuing business, will finish the degree, and keep borrowing under control. If you're eyeing education or criminal justice, or you're not confident you'll graduate, the debt outpaces the payoff and you should compare cheaper options first.
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.