Overview
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a private institution with an urban campus spanning 39 acres. As of fall 2023, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 2,588 students and follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Spelman ranks #40 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Tuition and fees stand at $31,556.
Spelman College Rankings
To get a better sense of what Spelman offers, here’s how it stacks up in various categories:
- #40 in National Liberal Arts Colleges (tie)
- #1 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- #60 in Best Value Schools
- #143 in Economics (tie)
- #8 in Learning Communities (tie)
- #30 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
- #16 in Most Innovative Schools (tie)
- #1 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
Spelman holds the #40 spot out of 211 National Liberal Arts Colleges, with rankings based on widely accepted measures of excellence.
U.S. News Overall Score: 79/100
- Outcomes (57%)
- Average 6-year graduation rate: 75%
- 6-year graduation rate (Pell Grant recipients): 67%
- 6-year graduation rate (non-Pell Grant recipients): 84%
Spelman College Admissions
Spelman has a 34% acceptance rate, with an early acceptance rate of 72.1%. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half scored between 1060-1270 on the SAT or 21-27 on the ACT. The remaining applicants scored either above or below these ranges. The application deadline is February 1.
Admissions officers place high importance on GPA, and when available, high school class rank. Letters of recommendation also play a key role in the decision-making process.
Admissions Stats
- Application deadline: February 1
- Application fee: $40
- Acceptance rate: 34%
Spelman College Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition at Spelman is **31,556∗∗,significantlylowerthanthenationalaverageof31,556∗∗,significantlylowerthanthenationalaverageof51,147. This “sticker price” includes fees covering services like libraries, gyms, student centers, and health facilities.
When comparing costs, it’s important to look beyond tuition. The total cost (including housing, meals, books, and personal expenses) is 51,351∗∗.However,afterfinancialaid,the∗∗averagenetprice∗∗dropsto∗∗51,351∗∗.However,afterfinancialaid,the∗∗averagenetprice∗∗dropsto∗∗34,070 for students receiving need-based assistance.
Tuition & Expenses (2024-25)
- Tuition and fees: $31,556
- Net price for federal loan recipients (2021-2022): $38,319
- Food and housing: $18,091
Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 0–0–30,000 | $34,997 |
| 30,001–30,001–48,000 | $35,585 |
| 48,001–48,001–75,000 | $36,291 |
| 75,001–75,001–110,000 | $39,680 |
| $110,001+ | $42,317 |
Spelman College Academics
With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors include:
- Psychology, General (15%)
- Political Science & Government (13%)
- Health Professions & Related Programs (9%)
- Biology/Biological Sciences (8%)
- Econometrics & Quantitative Economics (8%)
- English Language & Literature (6%)
- International/Globalization Studies (6%)
- Sociology, General (4%)
- Computer & Information Sciences (4%)
The freshman retention rate—a key indicator of student satisfaction—is 91%.
Spelman College Student Life
Total undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023) is 2,588, with 100% female students. About 58% live in college-affiliated housing, while 42% live off-campus.
Student Life Stats
- Total enrollment (fall 2023): 2,588
- On-campus housing: 58%
- Athletic association: N/A
Student Body
- Total undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023): 2,588
- Graduate enrollment: N/A
- Pell Grant recipients (2022-2023): 39%
Spelman College Campus
Student services include tutoring, a women’s center, career placement, health services, and health insurance. Campus security features 24/7 patrols (foot and vehicle), late-night escorts, emergency phones, well-lit pathways, and controlled dorm access. Alcohol is prohibited, even for students of legal age.