About Clinton College
Clinton College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking to transfer to four-year universities. This historically black college enrolls just 94 students in Rock Hill, a small South Carolina city. The intimate setting allows for a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the college maintains its religious roots while focusing on liberal arts preparation.
Most students pay around $14,501 after financial aid, with 76% receiving Pell Grants. That investment faces serious challenges when graduates earn a median of $30,180 ten years after enrollment. Students typically leave with $28,987 in debt, requiring monthly payments of $307. The numbers paint a concerning picture: only 15% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The low 11% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.
The student body is 90% Black and predominantly female at 53%. Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where housing accommodates 146 students. The Golden Bears compete in three USCAA sports with 31 total athletes. However, the 36% retention rate indicates many students leave after their first year, often transferring to larger institutions as originally intended.
Most students pay around $14,501 after financial aid, with 76% receiving Pell Grants. That investment faces serious challenges when graduates earn a median of $30,180 ten years after enrollment. Students typically leave with $28,987 in debt, requiring monthly payments of $307. The numbers paint a concerning picture: only 15% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The low 11% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs.
The student body is 90% Black and predominantly female at 53%. Campus life centers around a tight-knit community where housing accommodates 146 students. The Golden Bears compete in three USCAA sports with 31 total athletes. However, the 36% retention rate indicates many students leave after their first year, often transferring to larger institutions as originally intended.
Academics & Faculty
Clinton College operates as a historically black liberal arts institution that primarily serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities. With just 94 students enrolled, the college maintains an intimate 10:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. However, the 11.62% four-year graduation rate and 36.36% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their programs here. The college focuses on foundational liberal arts education rather than specialized professional programs. As an HBCU founded in 1894 by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Clinton emphasizes academic preparation within a supportive cultural environment, though students should be prepared for significant academic and financial challenges.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 11.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 11.1%
- Retention Rate
- 36.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $30,180
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Campus Life
Clinton College serves just 94 students on a small campus in Rock Hill, about 25 miles south of Charlotte. With housing for 146 students, nearly all undergraduates can live on campus if they choose. The intimate size means everyone knows each other, creating a tight-knit family atmosphere typical of small HBCUs.
South Carolina's climate means you'll need lightweight clothes for hot, humid summers and a moderate jacket for mild winters. Snow is rare, but pack layers for chilly January mornings. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic goals. With only 31 varsity athletes competing in three sports through the USCAA, Golden Bears athletics brings the small community together for games and school spirit events.
Rock Hill offers suburban amenities while Charlotte provides big-city opportunities for internships and entertainment just a short drive away. Weekends often center around campus activities, local hangouts, or trips to Charlotte. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion heritage influences campus traditions and community service, while the 90% Black student body creates a supportive environment focused on academic success and cultural pride.
South Carolina's climate means you'll need lightweight clothes for hot, humid summers and a moderate jacket for mild winters. Snow is rare, but pack layers for chilly January mornings. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic goals. With only 31 varsity athletes competing in three sports through the USCAA, Golden Bears athletics brings the small community together for games and school spirit events.
Rock Hill offers suburban amenities while Charlotte provides big-city opportunities for internships and entertainment just a short drive away. Weekends often center around campus activities, local hangouts, or trips to Charlotte. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion heritage influences campus traditions and community service, while the 90% Black student body creates a supportive environment focused on academic success and cultural pride.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 146 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1894
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–53°F
- July Avg
- 70°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 86.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 7.6"
Student Demographics
Clinton College draws students who need a supportive environment to build their academic foundation. The student body is 90% Black, reflecting the college's mission as an HBCU serving underrepresented communities. Most students come from out-of-state, suggesting families nationwide trust Clinton's personalized approach to education. Three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college prioritizes access for low-income families. The small enrollment of just 94 students means everyone knows each other. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize teaching and community service careers.
- Men
- 46.8%
- Women
- 53.2%
- White
- 1.1%
- Black
- 90.4%
- Hispanic
- 3.2%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 36.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 76.1%
Location
Clinton College sits in Rock Hill, South Carolina, about 25 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina. The city has around 75,000 residents and serves as a regional center for the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Rock Hill offers a blend of small-city amenities with access to big-city opportunities just across the state line. The area sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a scenic backdrop with mild seasons. Winthrop University also calls Rock Hill home, giving the city a collegiate atmosphere. The location provides easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban internships in Charlotte's banking and business sector. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Clinton College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $30,180
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $30,438
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $18,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 14.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $307/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,987
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student profile like at Clinton College?
Clinton College enrolls just 94 students with a 36.36% retention rate. This historically black college serves a predominantly African American student body at 90.43%, making it one of the smaller HBCUs in the nation.
How much does Clinton College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,501, with 76.14% of students receiving financial aid. As an HBCU founded in 1894, Clinton College maintains affordable tuition at $10,516 regardless of state residency.
What is the academic experience like at Clinton College?
Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio in this intimate learning environment. The college focuses on liberal arts education and preparing students for transfer to four-year universities.
What are the graduation and career outcomes at Clinton College?
The 6-year graduation rate stands at 11.10% with median earnings of $30,180 ten years after enrollment. Graduates typically carry $28,987 in median debt with monthly loan payments of $307.
Where is Clinton College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a small city setting with housing for 146 students. The Golden Bears compete in three USCAA varsity sports with 31 total athletes receiving $312,480 in athletic scholarships.
Is Clinton College affiliated with a religious denomination?
Clinton College maintains its founding ties to the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church since 1894. This religious affiliation shapes the college's mission while serving students from diverse economic backgrounds, with 76.14% qualifying for Pell Grants.
