Spelman vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spelman College in Atlanta, GA with Union University in Jackson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spelman College is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (3,417 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spelman College is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Spelman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spelman College 11:1; Union University 9:1.

Spelman vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spelman or Union 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 Union University than Spelman ($28,452 vs. $40,354).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 29.4% lower than at Spelman College ($12,780 vs. $18,091).
• Union University is 26.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Spelman (about $8,469 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at Union University than at Spelman College (about $8,469 more per year; $40,025.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Spelman College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 183.8% larger than aid received by Spelman College students ($30,120 vs. $10,614).

Spelman vs. Union University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spelman or Union 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 Union University and Spelman.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 70 points higher than at Spelman (1210).
• Incoming Union University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Spelman).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 1108/1320; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spelman College 22/29; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spelman - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Spelman Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Spelman (3.75).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Spelman (24.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at Spelman vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Spelman vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spelman and Union 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).

• Spelman College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Spelman College earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,300 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than Spelman graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spelman graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Union University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spelman students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 47%)

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.