Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Orangeburg, South Carolina
72.6% Acceptance Rate
Claflin University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
72.6%Acceptance Rate
3.28Avg GPA
940Avg SAT
$33,538Annual Cost
$40,304Grad Salary
72.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
72.6%
Avg GPA
3.28
Avg SAT
940
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
900–970
Need-Based Aid
72.6% receive Pell
Claflin University is a private, historically black, liberal arts institution in South Carolina known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and leadership development. Offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university fosters a culture of critical inquiry, research, and professional preparation. Its focus on empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities makes it a high-value choice for those seeking a transformative and world-class educational experience.
Claflin University Acceptance Rate
At 72.6%, admission to Claflin University is achievable for most students who meet the basic academic profile.
What Claflin University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 72.6% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.28 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.08 – 3.27
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.83
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Claflin University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Claflin University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Claflin University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Claflin University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Claflin University is 3.28. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.98–3.28 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.48–3.68.Claflin University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.28 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.08 – 3.27
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.88 – 3.07
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.87
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- South Carolina's oldest HBCU (founded 1869); NCAA Division II, Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
- Runs South Carolina's only HBCU RN-to-BSN program
- Cooperative Education Program provides a full paid semester of supervised work experience tied to the student's major
- Member of the Carolina Cluster HBCU consortium's Career Pathways Program; test-optional admissions
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Claflin University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Claflin University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Claflin University Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Claflin University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Claflin University Without SAT or ACT?
Claflin University neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
Claflin University Average SAT Score: 940
Admitted students at Claflin University average a 940 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 940 — Accessible
A 940 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (970 SAT) to stand out. Below average? Claflin University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 900? A retake is worth it at Claflin University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 940 | 900 | 970 |
A score under 900 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 970+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 950
Can I get into Claflin University with a 950 SAT?
At 950, your SAT is squarely in Claflin University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Claflin University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into Claflin University isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Name the RN-to-BSN distinction directly if pursuing nursing
Claflin runs South Carolina's only HBCU RN-to-BSN program - a genuine state-level differentiator worth citing specifically, not a generic "strong nursing program" line.
Ask specifically about the Cooperative Education Program
It provides a full paid semester of supervised, practical work tied to your major - a concrete structural feature, not a vague "internship opportunity."
Reference specific biotechnology research if pursuing STEM
Faculty work on transgenic plant research toward vaccines (malaria, hepatitis C) - cite this directly rather than generic "strong STEM programs" language.
Ask how the Carolina Cluster Career Pathways Program supports your field
This is a named, cross-institutional HBCU consortium program distinct from Claflin's own internal offerings.
Expert Insight:
Sources disagree on whether Claflin requires a personal essay for first-year applicants - some list it as required, others (including Common App's own school profile) show no essay requirement. Confirm directly with Claflin admissions before assuming either way.
Claflin University Profile
Full Name
Claflin University
City
Orangeburg
State
South Carolina
ZIP Code
29115-4498
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Claflin University Degree Worth It?
At $33,538/year against a $40,304 median graduate salary, Claflin University is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $45,800, and graduates see a 4.39% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Claflin University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $33,538/year at Claflin University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Claflin University, 72.6% receive a Pell Grant and 71.4% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Claflin University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Claflin University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Claflin University graduates report a median income of $40,304, somewhat below the U.S. median graduate income of $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Claflin University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Pine Bluff, AR | 916 | 16 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | Daytona Beach, FL | 913 | 17 |
| Trinity College of Florida | Trinity, FL | 905 | 19 |
| Wesleyan College | Macon, GA | 905 | NA |
| Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | 910 | 17 |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | 929 | 18 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort, KY | 910 | 17 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 910 | 16 |
| Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston, ME | 910 | NA |
| Washington Adventist University | Takoma Park, MD | 920 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Claflin University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A & M University | Normal, AL | 947 | 17 |
| Johnson University Florida | Kissimmee, FL | 940 | NA |
| Warner University | Lake Wales, FL | 937 | 17 |
| Gordon State College | Barnesville, GA | 950 | 18 |
| Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | 950 | 17 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Claflin University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | 977 | 18 |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Baptist Health College Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 980 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
Degree Programs at Claflin University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Claflin University Admissions
Claflin University graduates earn a lower median salary of $40,304/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Claflin University is moderate, around $33,538/year; many students supplement with aid.
72.6% of Claflin University students receive a Pell Grant, which is need-based aid you don't repay. File your FAFSA early and list Claflin University as a choice for the best shot at maximum aid.
Claflin University's acceptance rate is 72.6%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Claflin University students is 3.28, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.98 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Claflin University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.88 or below makes admission tougher at Claflin University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Claflin University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 940, and within the 900–970 range, keeps you competitive.
Claflin University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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