Atlanta, GA · Private University
Is Spelman College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$59,993
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$30,058
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,058
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$120,232
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.00x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
76.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$36,828
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Spelman College graduates earn $14,993 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Spelman College ranked by graduate earnings
16 graduates
52 graduates
19 graduates
18 graduates
65 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Spelman College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Spelman College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $98,692) and the lowest (Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General: $28,357) is $70,335/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI(1yr data) | $98,692 | 3.3x |
| Economics | $67,871 | 2.3x |
| International/Global Studies | $62,129 | 2.1x |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies | $47,149 | 1.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $47,045 | 1.6x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $45,615 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $43,305 | 1.4x |
| Biology, General | $36,086 | 1.2x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $28,357 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spelman College | 2.00x | $59,993 | Good ROI |
| Howard University | 1.89x | $63,066 | Good ROI |
| Tuskegee University | 2.12x | $49,641 | Strong ROI |
| LeTourneau University | 1.61x | $57,103 | Good ROI |
| Union University | 1.40x | $53,990 | Average ROI |
| Mississippi College | 2.19x | $47,485 | Strong ROI |
The Bottom Line
Spelman College offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $59,993 10 years after starting, $14,993 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.8 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.