About Spelman College
The sticker price of $47,851 might look scary, but most students pay far less after aid. Families earning under $30,000 pay about $32,000 annually, while those making over $110,000 pay around $42,000. Graduates earn a median of $60,000 ten years out, which helps explain why 94% find employment. The typical debt load of $25,000 translates to monthly payments of $265, reasonable given earning potential.
This campus houses only 1,398 students in dorms, creating a close community where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. With 93% of students being women of color, Spelman offers something rare: a place where Black women are the majority, the norm, and the future.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.1%
- Retention Rate
- 93.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,993
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,667 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $35,600 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,525 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $15,552 |
Campus Life
The sisterhood culture runs deep here. Women from across the country (74.83% come from out of state) create tight bonds through traditions like convocation ceremonies and step shows. Weekends often involve exploring Atlanta's music scene, grabbing brunch in Virginia-Highland, or attending events at nearby Morehouse College. The Atlanta University Center consortium means you're part of a larger community of historically black colleges, so social life extends beyond just Spelman. With a 93.76% retention rate, most students clearly find their place in this environment. The small 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but Atlanta's size means you can disappear into the city when you need space.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,398 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1881
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–53°F
- July Avg
- 70°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 7.1%
- Women
- 92.9%
- White
- 3.1%
- Black
- 73.6%
- Hispanic
- 0.0%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 25.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.4%
Location
- Address
- Atlanta, Georgia 30314-4399
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,993
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,376
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Spelman College?
Spelman accepts 28.39% of applicants, making it highly selective among historically black colleges. The school maintains this selectivity while building one of the nation's most strong communities for Black women scholars.
How much does Spelman College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $36,828, with costs varying by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $31,898, while the school's strong alumnae network often helps graduates manage the median debt of $25,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Spelman College?
Spelman maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 3,633 students total. This intimate learning environment supports the college's mission of developing confident leaders through personalized attention and mentorship.
What are the graduation outcomes at Spelman College?
About 75% of students graduate within four years, with median earnings reaching $59,993 ten years after graduation. The college's 94.2% employment rate reflects its strong reputation among employers who value Spelman's rigorous liberal arts education.
Where is Spelman College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Atlanta's active university district as part of the Atlanta University Center consortium. With housing for 1,398 students out of 3,633 enrolled, many upperclassmen live off-campus while staying connected to the tight-knit Spelman sisterhood.
Is Spelman College only for women?
Yes, Spelman remains one of only two historically black colleges exclusively for women, with 92.90% female enrollment. Founded in 1881, the college has produced remarkable leaders like Stacey Abrams and Alice Walker while maintaining its mission to help Black women through education.
