Claflin University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

Compare Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC with Columbia College in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Claflin University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Claflin University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University or Columbia College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Claflin University than Columbia College ($17,272 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 0.9% lower than at Claflin University ($9,390 vs. $9,480).
• Columbia College is 21.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $3,932 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.5% higher at Columbia College than at Claflin University (about $3,932 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Columbia College (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($16,596 vs. $16,451).

Claflin University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Claflin University or Columbia College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia College and Claflin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 60 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Incoming Claflin University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (17 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Claflin University (3.28).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Claflin University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University and Columbia College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $6,920 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($25,264 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($261 vs. $332).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (43% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.