Claflin Alumni Giving Rate #1 Among HBCUs on U.S. News Short List
Jun 04, 2014
Alumni of Claflin University understand the meaning of giving back. It comes as no surprise that Claflin is ranked first among historically black colleges and universities on the U.S. News and World Report Short List for its alumni giving rate.
“We are delighted with this recognition,” President Henry N. Tisdale said. “This level of giving and support by alumni suggests strongly that our alumni appreciate their Claflin experience and want to provide opportunities for others. “
The U.S. News Short List, separate from the overall college rankings, is a regular series that “magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas,” according to the publication.
Claflin developed and implemented a strategic approach to alumni giving. The University’s advancement team strengthened existing initiatives, embraced new technology, collaborated with the international alumni association, among others.
U.S. News used data from 2010-2011and 2011-2012, when Claflin averaged a 43 percent alumni giving rate. In 2013, that rate increased by nearly 10 percentage points, and Claflin now boasts an alumni giving rate of 52.2 percent, placing it among the best in the nation.
Data was submitted by 45 ranked institutions. Claflin had the highest two-year average of alumni giving among historically black institutions, followed by Spelman College, Morehouse College, Tuskegee University and Livingstone College. Rounding out the top 10 were Central State University, Fort Valley State University, University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff, Johnson C. Smith University and Tougaloo College.
The average percentage of alumni giving hovers below 10 percent for many HBCU’s. Financial contributions to U.S. colleges increased 9 percent in 2013. Of the $33.8 billion donated to colleges last year, 26.6 percent came from alumni, according to a report from the Council of Aid to Education.
“While we are pleased with the current level, we want to build on it,” Tisdale said.