Overview
Founded in 1881 by Sophia Packard and Harriet Giles as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, Spelman College is the oldest historically Black college for women in the United States. Named after philanthropist Laura Spelman Rockefeller, the institution has grown from a basement classroom into one of the most respected liberal arts colleges in the nation, consistently ranked as the top HBCU. Spelman is renowned for its rigorous academics, particularly in STEM fields, and for its mission of educating and empowering women of African descent.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Total students | 2,400 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 10:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 45% |
| Graduation rate | 76% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $29,900 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $29,900 |
| Room & board | $14,300 |
| Average financial aid | $28,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1090-1230 |
| ACT range | 22-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.65 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- Biology/Pre-Med
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Economics
- Political Science
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.