Claflin University
Claflin University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Claflin University at a Glance
Claflin University is a private historically black liberal arts college in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1869 after the American Civil War by northern missionaries for the education of freedmen and their children, it offers bachelor's and master's degrees.
1869
157 years old
$73M
$72.9 million (2024)
1,830
40 acres
Identity
Is Claflin University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Claflin University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $40,304 — 25% below average — while paying $17,800/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $29,000 representing 72% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Claflin University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Claflin University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in SC
Ranked #24 of 77 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #2 | Evangel University | 40 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| #3 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 40 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
| #4 | Heritage University | 39 | $14,598 | $49,416 |
| #5 | William Carey University | 38 | $14,258 | $43,087 |
| #6 | Freed-Hardeman University | 38 | $21,574 | $47,485 |
| #24 | Claflin University | 29 | $17,800 | $40,304 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Claflin University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in SC.
Best Programs at Claflin University
The highest-earning program at Claflin University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $33,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $19,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Claflin University earns $33,700, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $19,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $35,000 in median debt vs. $33,250 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,800/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,700 | $33,700 | $35,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $30,300 | $30,300 | $35,672 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,200 | $28,200 | $34,783 |
| Political Science and Government | $25,500 | $25,500 | $36,730 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $21,700 | $21,700 | $37,488 |
| Sociology | $21,700 | $21,700 | $38,625 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $19,600 | $19,600 | $33,250 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Orangeburg, SC
- Student Body
- 1,706 students
- Admission Rate
- 65%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,800
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,304
- Median Student Debt
- $29,000