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60.2%Acceptance
$54,100Tuition
1,873Students
81%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$68,964Earnings
#6 in South CarolinaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Wofford College

Wofford College builds future leaders through intimate liberal arts education and rigorous pre-professional training. The school enrolls 1,873 students in downtown Spartanburg, creating tight-knit academic communities where professors know every student's name. Notable graduates include NFL team owner Jerry Richardson and acclaimed author George Singleton. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more like seminars than lectures. The college's strong pre-med and pre-law programs consistently send graduates to top professional schools.

Students pay an average net price of $28,984 after financial aid, less than the $54,100 sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $68,964 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,732 manageable with monthly payments around $273. The 92.8% employment rate shows employers value Wofford's academic rigor. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,804 net price, demonstrating the college's commitment to accessibility.

The Terriers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 455 student-athletes across 17 sports. Nearly 90% of students return for sophomore year, and over 80% graduate in four years. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January interim term for intensive study abroad or internship experiences.

Academics & Faculty

Wofford operates as a traditional liberal arts college where students explore broad intellectual foundations before diving into specialized study. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name and mentor them closely. This personal attention shows in the numbers: 81.6% of students graduate in four years, well above the national average. The college particularly excels in pre-professional preparation, sending graduates to top medical and law schools at impressive rates. Business and biology rank among the most popular majors. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows students to pursue intensive January interim projects, from internships to international study, giving them real-world experience that enhances classroom learning.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
83.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
81.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
80.8%
Retention Rate
89.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$68,964
Carnegie Classification
Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $47,729
Computer Science. Bachelor $42,682
Business/Managerial Economics. Bachelor $41,565
Chemistry. Bachelor $40,485
Economics. Bachelor $38,472
English Language and Literature, General. Bachelor $38,289
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. Bachelor $34,526
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $29,685
Biology, General. Bachelor $27,488
Political Science and Government. Bachelor $20,140

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Wofford experience small-town college life in Spartanburg, about 90 minutes from Charlotte and two hours from Atlanta. The campus houses 1,640 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where nearly everyone lives on campus during their first few years. South Carolina's mild climate means students need light jackets for winter but spend most of the year in shorts and t-shirts.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio translates to professors who know your name and eating lunch together at Burwell Dining Hall. Students gather on the historic Front Lawn for pickup games and studying under century-old oak trees. With 455 student-athletes competing across 17 Division I sports, Terrier games draw crowds, especially football at Gibbs Stadium. Weekend options include downtown Spartanburg's growing arts district, hiking at nearby Cowpens National Battlefield, or the popular Interim program that takes students around the world each January. Greek life and campus traditions like the Ring Ceremony create lasting bonds in a community where 89.74% of students return each year.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,640 beds
Calendar System
Four-One-Four
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1854

Campus Safety (2023)

15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 4 2 1 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 0 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
31°–54°F
July Avg
68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
50.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.8"

Student Demographics

Wofford draws students who value close relationships with professors, evidenced by the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The student body is 58% South Carolinians, reflecting the college's strong regional reputation among families seeking a quality liberal arts education. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize communication and critical thinking skills. The campus is predominantly white, mirroring the demographics of its Methodist heritage and Southern location. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating Wofford primarily serves middle and upper-middle class students willing to invest in small-college personal attention.
Men
46.9%
Women
53.1%
White
80.1%
Black
6.4%
Hispanic
5.4%
Asian
2.3%
In-State Students
58.1%
Pell Grant Recipients
15.1%

Location

Wofford College sits in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about 80 miles northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. The city has around 38,000 residents and anchors South Carolina's Upstate region. Spartanburg blends small-city charm with access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and major metropolitan areas. The area has transformed from its textile manufacturing roots into a center for international businesses, particularly BMW's largest manufacturing plant worldwide. Students find a genuine college town atmosphere with the school's 1,873 enrollment making up a significant portion of the local community. The temperate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities in the nearby foothills. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Wofford College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303-3663
Wofford College
Wofford College
Science Hall - Wofford College
Science Hall - Wofford College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$68,964
Median Earnings (5 years)
$63,465
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$43,100
Loan Repayment Rate
78.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$273/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,732

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wofford College?

Wofford College accepts 60% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a liberal arts institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200-1353 on the SAT. This Methodist-affiliated college values both academic achievement and character in its well-rounded admissions process.

How much does Wofford College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $28,984 after aid, less than the $70,315 sticker price. About 24% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,005. The school keeps debt manageable with graduates owing a median of $25,732.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wofford College?

Wofford maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,873 total students. This small liberal arts environment fosters the close mentoring relationships the college is known for. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term courses and study abroad opportunities.

What do Wofford College graduates earn after graduation?

Wofford graduates earn a median of $68,964 ten years after graduation with a strong 93% employment rate. The college's reputation for rigorous liberal arts education and pre-professional programs opens doors across industries. Alumni include NFL team owner Jerry Richardson and notable business executives.

Where is Wofford College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Spartanburg, South Carolina, housing 1,640 students in a close-knit residential community. With 89% of freshmen returning and an 82% four-year graduation rate, students clearly connect with the Terrier spirit. The college competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 455 student-athletes across 17 sports.

Does Wofford College have a religious affiliation?

Wofford maintains its historic United Methodist affiliation dating back to its 1854 founding. The college integrates faith and learning while welcoming students of all backgrounds to its diverse academic community. This tradition shapes the school's emphasis on service and ethical leadership development.