Spelman College logo

Spelman College

Atlanta, GA Private ยท Urban www.spelman.edu
Accept Rate
34.09%
Grad Rate
75.1%
Enrollment
3,633
Avg SAT
1184
Tuition
$30,058
Median Salary
$59,993
Overall Grade
C
B+
Academics
C
Value
B+
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Spelman College offers an empowering and sisterly campus environment dedicated to the education of Black women. Students describe feeling supported, challenged, and part of a legacy of excellence within a tight-knit community located in the vibrant Atlanta University Center.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

34.09%
Very Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 118475th Pctl
10601270
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
2127
1122436

Admissions Tips

1) Demonstrate genuine interest in Spelman's mission of educating Black women and your commitment to community impact in your essays. 2) While test scores are optional, a competitive profile (SAT 1184+) strengthens your application. 3) Apply early decision if Spelman is your top choice, as demonstrated interest can be a factor.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1184
40080012001600
School range: 1060โ€“1270

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Spelman boasts a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with top programs in Business, Psychology, and the Sciences, backed by a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Students have significant research opportunities through the Spelman College Research Institute and access to cross-registration at neighboring institutions like Georgia Tech.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
49.4%
Social Sciences
13%
Psychology
7.6%
Biology & Biomedical
5.4%
Health Professions
4.7%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.9%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.2%
English & Literature
3%
Computer Science
1.9%
Education
1.9%
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
1.6%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

75.1%
Graduation Rate
93.8%
Retention Rate
3,633
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$30,058
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$36,828
After financial aid
Total Cost
$49,349
Cost of attendance/year
29.4%
Receive Pell Grants
57.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Atlanta

Located in Atlanta's dynamic West End, students are minutes away from world-class dining, music, and cultural hubs. The campus social scene is vibrant with sisterhood events, while easy MARTA access allows for weekend trips to the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and downtown festivals.

Local Rent Check

$1,643 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Atlanta
Explore Atlanta

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$120,232
$0Est. 4 Years: $120,232

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($59,993):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is a secure, enclosed 39-acre urban oasis with 24/7 campus police patrols. Students benefit from the safety of the historic Atlanta University Center complex and utilize university shuttle services for travel around the city.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Empowering single-sex education specifically designed for Black women
  • โœ“ Access to the Atlanta University Center consortium (Morehouse, Clark Atlanta)
  • โœ“ High retention (93.8%) and graduation (75.1%) rates indicating strong support
  • โœ“ Prime location in Atlanta for internships and networking

Cons

  • โœ— High net price compared to some public alternatives
  • โœ— Strict campus visitation policies regarding overnight guests
  • โœ— Limited to undergraduate programs (no graduate degrees offered)

Notable Alumni

Alice Walker
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple
Stacey Abrams
Politician, voting rights activist, and author
Bernice King
Minister and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spelman College is a premier liberal arts college renowned for educating Black women. It is consistently ranked as the #1 HBCU in the nation and is known for its rigorous academics, strong sisterhood, and commitment to global engagement and social justice.

Yes, Spelman is highly selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 34%. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is typically between 1130 and 1260, with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and leadership potential.

Campus life is defined by a deep sense of sisterhood and community. Students participate in over 70 student organizations, including the renowned Spelman dance and theater programs. The campus is a close-knit environment where students receive personalized support from faculty and peers.

Many would argue yes, based on the ROI. With a 10-year median earnings of nearly $60,000 and the extensive network of the Spelman sisterhood, graduates are well-positioned for success. The college's ability to bridge the gap between sticker price and net price through financial aid also improves its value proposition.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Deloitte Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Delta Air Lines Emory Healthcare The Coca-Cola Company
Smart Start Score
74

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,873
  • In-State Tuition $30,058
  • Zip Code 30314

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 7.1% โ™€ 92.9%

The Money Talk

With a median graduate earnings of $59,993, the return on investment is strong compared to the listed sticker price. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for many students, and the 29.4% Pell Grant rate indicates robust support for lower-income families, making the actual cost manageable for many.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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Compare with Hampton University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $30,058
Housing (12 mo) $19,716
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $56,974
With avg financial aid:
$36,828/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.