Claflin University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC with Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Claflin University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University or VSU? 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 VSU ($17,272 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 29% lower than at Virginia State University ($9,480 vs. $13,355).
• Claflin University is 82% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $8,239 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at VSU than at Claflin University (about $4,368 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Virginia State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 33.3% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($16,596 vs. $12,447).

Claflin University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 20 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Incoming Claflin University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at VSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Claflin University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University and VSU? 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).

• The graduation rate at Claflin University is the same as at Virginia State University (40% vs. 40%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia State University graduates have a $2,684 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($29,500 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($305 vs. $332).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (28% 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.