VSU vs. Claflin University

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Claflin University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Claflin University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Claflin University 13:1.

VSU vs. Claflin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 Valdosta State University than Claflin University ($11,144 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 0.5% lower than at Valdosta State University ($9,480 vs. $9,530).
• Claflin University is 198.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $12,158 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.5% higher at Claflin University than at Valdosta State University (about $446 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Valdosta State University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 62.6% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($16,596 vs. $10,206).

VSU vs. Claflin University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is 70 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Incoming VSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Claflin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Claflin University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Claflin University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at VSU (3.23).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 7.3% at Claflin University.

VSU vs. Claflin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $7,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($25,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($258 vs. $332).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.