Spelman College is a private institution that was founded in 1881. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,137, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 39 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Spelman College's ranking in the 2019 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, 51. Its tuition and fees are $29,064 (2018-19).
Founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman College is the oldest historically black college for women in America. Located just five minutes outside of downtown Atlanta, Spelman is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, the largest association of historically black institutions of higher learning in the world. First- and second-year students are required to live on campus. There are more than 60 organizations for students to choose from, including Greek life, which constitutes the largest group of students on campus. Spelman College does not compete in intercollegiate athletics; instead, it offers a wellness program for all students.
As part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, Spelman partners with Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine. The consortium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide quality education for African-Americans and other students of diversity. Spelman's Women's Research and Resource Center is the first of its kind on a black college campus devoted to a women's studies curriculum. Stepping, which is a series of movements involving beats, rhythms, calls and chants, is performed by the Greek organizations on campus, and step shows are a popular occurrence among the Atlanta University Center colleges. Notable alumni of Spelman include Audrey F. Manley, the former surgeon general of the United States, and Maj. Gen. Marcelite J. Harris, the first African-American female general of the U.S. Air Force. Alice Walker, author of "The Color Purple," attended Spelman College as well.
Spelman College is a leading liberal arts and historically Black college that inspires women to change the world. Spelman produces extraordinary outcomes for students, ranking among the top 100 National Liberal Arts Colleges and is the No. 1 historically Black college and university (HBCU). Our current graduation rate of 75 percent (six-year average) is the highest among all HBCUs and is significantly higher than the national graduation rate (55 percent) for African-American students. We provide a unique educational experience that includes a long-standing and life-changing commitment to academic rigor, career development, leadership opportunities, community involvement, and social justice activism. This experience is informed by the College's strategic plan, which embodies delivering the Spelman promise (ensuring every scholar graduates with a competitive edge), elevating the Spelman difference (prioritizing educational excellence and teaching and learning expertise), enhancing operational excellence and promoting academic innovation. Spelman has been recognized by the National Science Foundation as the leading producer of Black women who earn doctorates in the sciences. Our signature academic programs include the groundbreaking African Diaspora and the World program; the Gordon-Zeto Center for Global Education; the Teaching Resource and Research Center, which supports long-term development of faculty; a new ARTS@Spelman curriculum that includes curatorial studies, documentary filmmaking, dance, theater, a state of the art Innovation lab, and the Spelman College Glee Club; and the Women's Research and Resource Center--the first such center and the first to offer a women's studies major at an HBCU. Our faculty exemplify high intellect, creativity, independent thinking, and strong convictions, which are traits the College aims to cultivate in our students. Recognized nationally and internationally, Spelman faculty are awarded scholars, heads and officers of disciplinary associations, and patent holders for unique discoveries. Ninety-two percent of full-time faculty have doctoral degrees or the equivalent in their fields. Each student is encouraged to study abroad during her college years, complete internships and/or undergraduate research projects in her major, and become a master of current and evolving technology. Specialized courses and experiences help to define the Spelman education as one that reflects a strong foundation in the liberal arts, strength and depth within the discipline, and interdisciplinary perspectives on the "Big Questions" confronting our world. Our programs are created with the expectation that employers and society at large will benefit from thoughtful leaders who are grounded in intellectual depth and adaptive thinking; intercultural experiences and competencies; excellent writing and communication skills; and strong quantitative, critical thinking, and technical skills. The College also boasts a world-class museum focused on art by and about women of the African Diaspora, and a state-of-the-art wellness center designed to promote health and well-being. A hallmark of the Spelman experience is the Sisterhood, a unique feature that forges lifelong bonds among our graduates. In addition, the College enjoys a substantial level of commitment from our alumnae, who enhance the student experience by providing mentoring and leadership development opportunities. Spelman is the destination of choice for talented, ambitious young women who seek a rigorous undergraduate education in a supportive and affirming environment.
Spelman College is ranked #51 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
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Below are the median starting salaries by major for alumni of Spelman College.
Median starting salary of alumni $47,800* *
By major
U.S. News has a community of students, alumni, staff and others who can provide additional insight into Spelman College. View previously asked questions.
When applying to Spelman College, it's important to note the application deadline is Feb. 1, and the early action deadline and the early decision deadline are Nov. 15 and Nov. 1, respectively. The application fee at Spelman College is $40. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due Feb. 1. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 40 percent and an early acceptance rate of 58.2 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
Selectivity Selective
Fall 2017 acceptance rate 40%
Application deadline Feb. 1
SAT/ACT scores must be received by Feb. 1
The student-faculty ratio at Spelman College is 11:1, and the school has 60 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Spelman College include: Psychology, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Political Science and Government, General; Economics, General; and International/Global Studies. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 90 percent.
Spelman College has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,137, with a gender distribution of 0 percent male students and 100 percent female students. At this school, 67 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 33 percent of students live off campus.
Total enrollment 2,137
Collegiate athletic association N/A
At Spelman College, 83 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $14,406.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs, or use the U.S. News 529 Finder to choose the best tax-advantaged college investment account for you.
Tuition and fees $29,064 (2018-19)
Room and board $13,865 (2018-19)
Campus safety data were reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and have not been independently verified. The numbers for criminal offenses reflect reports of alleged offenses to campus security and/or law enforcement authorities, not necessarily prosecutions or convictions. Experts advise prospective students and their families to do their own research to evaluate the safety of a campus as well as the surrounding area.
Spelman College offers a number of student services, including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, health service, health insurance. Spelman College also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc.). Of the students at Spelman College, 8 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at Spelman College.
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