Claflin University Ranked a U.S. News and World Report Top 10 Best HBCU for 13th Consecutive Year

Who says the Number 13 is unlucky? Not Claflin University. For the 13th consecutive year, Claflin is ranked among the U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 Best HBCUs. In the 2024 poll, the University retained its No. 9 ranking from 2023.

Founded in 1869, Claflin is South Carolina’s oldest Historically Black College/University and the first to admit all students regardless of ethnic origin, gender, race, or religion.

“To be a U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 HBCU for 13 consecutive years secures Claflin’s place as a North Star in the constellation of the nation’s leading HBCUs,” said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack.  “Our rankings are a testament to the collective commitment of our world-class faculty, talented administrators and staff, and leal and loyal alumni.  These rankings also reaffirm that Claflin provides an exemplary academic experience that elevates and transforms our high-achieving scholars into globally engaged visionary leaders.”

Claflin made a noticeable improvement in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category as it moved up to No. 9 after being ranked at No. 20 in 2023. 

The Social Mobility category is a measurement for colleges and universities that enroll and graduate a significant number of students who receive Pell Grants. 

At Claflin, these students earn degrees that prepare them for professional careers or to continue their education in graduate school.

Claflin was recently named 2023 Best College by Money.com. The rating offers a practical analysis of more than 700 four-year colleges using data in three main categories: quality, affordability, and student outcomes.   Claflin's annual alumni giving percentage of more than 40 percent is the highest for all HBCUs. 

The University has a retention rate of 80 percent.

Claflin's other accomplishments during the past year include:

• Received a reaffirmation of accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) following a rigorous evaluation of the University's on-campus and online academic programs. SACSCOC is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states.
• Ranked third on the U.S. News and World Report Short List of Top 10 HBCUs with the highest four-year graduation rates among first-time, full-time students who started in fall 2014. 
• Launched Online Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology to Mitigate Climate Change.
• Launched Online Master of Science in Nursing Program and celebrated the program's inaugural graduates.
• Invested $670,000 to renovate and install more than 50 new ClearTouch Interactive Displays, and state-of-the-art cameras, microphones, and speakers to expand teaching and learning technology throughout the campus.
• Claflin received more than $17.4 million to support the construction of a new Innovation Center for Biotechnology and Cybersecurity. 
• The construction of the University's new ultra-modern Student Center is nearly completed, and the scheduled opening is later this fall. Features of the facility will include a movie theater, esports lounge, a food court, and other amenities.