Claflin University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Claflin University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (1,852 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Claflin University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Claflin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Claflin University 13:1; Centra College 3:1.

Claflin University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Claflin University are 23.7% lower than at Centra College ($9,480 vs. $12,424).
• Claflin University is 40.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $5,299 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.8% higher at Claflin University than at Centra College (about $5,299 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University than at Centra College (98% vs. 0%).

Claflin University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Claflin University or Centra College? 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 Centra College and Claflin University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; Centra College - Test-free.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Claflin University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University and Centra College? 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).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $20,142 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($12,042 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $208 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($124 vs. $332).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.