Claflin University vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

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

Claflin University is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Nelson University 15:1.

Claflin University vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University ($17,272 vs. $22,359).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 1.2% lower than at Nelson University ($9,480 vs. $9,598).
• Nelson University is 37.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $6,782 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.1% higher at Nelson University than at Claflin University (about $6,782 more per year; $25,064.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Nelson University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 37.4% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($16,596 vs. $12,075).

Claflin University vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Claflin University or Nelson University? 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 Nelson University and Claflin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nelson University (990) is 50 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040; Nelson University 890/1090.
• 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; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• Nelson University has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

Claflin University vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University and Nelson University? 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 Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from Nelson University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,900 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $5,934 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($26,250 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($271 vs. $332).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.