Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 75.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 76.1%
- Retention Rate
- 93.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $59,993
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,667 | $26,375 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,314 |
| International/Global Studies. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $27,000 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | Bachelor | $35,600 | $25,500 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $26,250 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $26,747 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $25,525 | $25,674 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $15,552 |
Outcomes Overview
Spelman graduates earn $59,993 ten years after graduation, which creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 with the typical $25,000 in student loans. Monthly payments of $265 represent about 5% of gross income, well below the 10% threshold financial experts recommend. The college's strong alumni network opens doors in education, business, law, and medicine, with many graduates pursuing advanced degrees at top programs. Spelman's reputation as the top historically black women's college carries weight with employers who value the leadership skills the school develops. With a 94.2% employment rate and earnings that grow substantially over time, this represents a strong return on investment despite the high sticker price.