Union Commonwealth University vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Claflin University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Claflin University 13:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or Claflin 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 Commonwealth University than Claflin University ($17,124 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 12.9% lower than at Claflin University ($8,261 vs. $9,480).
• Union Commonwealth University is 69.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Claflin University (about $12,664 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.3% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Claflin University (about $12,664 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Claflin University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 62.5% larger than aid received by Claflin University students ($26,961 vs. $16,596).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 70 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Incoming Union Commonwealth University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at Claflin University (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Claflin University has a higher acceptance rate (64.9%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University and Claflin 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $8,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($24,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($248 vs. $332).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.