Claflin University vs. Messenger College

Comparable Facts

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

Claflin University is larger than Messenger College based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 24 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Messenger College is in Bedford, TX (Small City setting).
• Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Messenger College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Messenger College 8:1.

Claflin University vs. Messenger College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University or Messenger 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 Messenger College ($17,272 vs. $25,941).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 28.7% lower than at Messenger College ($9,480 vs. $13,305).
• Claflin University is 57.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Messenger College (about $6,662 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.3% higher at Claflin University than at Messenger College (about $6,662 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $11,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Messenger College (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 321.2% larger than aid received by Messenger College students ($16,596 vs. $3,940).

Claflin University vs. Messenger College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Claflin University or Messenger 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 Messenger College and Claflin University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; Messenger College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Messenger College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Messenger College (2.9).
• Claflin University has a higher acceptance rate (64.9%) than Messenger College (37.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 66.7% at Messenger College.

Claflin University vs. Messenger College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University and Messenger 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).

• Claflin University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Messenger College's (10%).
• Graduates from Claflin University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Messenger College graduates about ten years after starting college ($30,700 vs. $24,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Messenger College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (40% 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.