Acceptance Rate
73%
Avg. SAT
941
75th percentile
“South Carolina's oldest HBCU, founded in 1870 by the AME Church in post-Civil War Columbia.”
Columbia, SC
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Allen University opened its doors in 1870 as Payne Institute, becoming South Carolina's first historically Black college under the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Students who thrive here often seek a faith-infused, family-like atmosphere where professors know your name and the community rallies around shared heritage. The school's personality blends spiritual depth with practical ambition, fostering leaders in ministry, education, and public service. Columbia, the state capital, surrounds the compact 24-acre campus with Southern charm, historic sites, and urban energy from nearby USC, though the small size means fewer on-campus amenities compared to larger schools. You'll navigate a close-knit world, but tradeoffs include limited course variety and a hot, humid climate that defines daily life.
Photo Gallery
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classes unfold in intimate settings where discussion drives learning, especially in business, education, and music programs that draw on the school's church roots. You'll join ensembles or study theology with faculty who emphasize real-world application over abstract theory. Research opportunities stay modest due to the university's scale, so hands-on projects often link to local community needs rather than large labs. Popular majors like criminal justice fill quickly, creating competition for spots, while introductory courses keep groups small but resources lean.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
576 undergrad • 34 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
<1%
Black / African American
91%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Other / Multi-racial
6%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Columbia, SC
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses with HBCU spirit through step shows, Greek life, and homecoming celebrations that turn the quad into a lively hub. A typical week mixes chapel services, club meetings, and weekend outings to Columbia's riverside parks or downtown eateries. Most students live on campus in traditional dorms, building bonds that last, though options dwindle for upperclassmen. The social scene stays tight-knit and low-key, with parties centered on events rather than sprawling off-campus scenes. Hot summers and occasional rain challenge outdoor plans, and the urban edge means relying on campus shuttles for city exploration.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Southern Intercol. Ath. Conf.
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$12,849
$30K – $48K
$12,675
$48K – $75K
$14,108
$75K – $110K
$17,094
$110K+
$16,052
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
45%
4 Years Graduation Rate
4%
6 Years Graduation Rate
5%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$30,497
45% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Allen University and return in the fall. 4% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 5% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
4%
4-6 years
1%
Non-grad
95%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$12,540
Acceptance
73%
Undergrads
576
4-Year Grad Rate
4%
Endowment
$580K
Columbia, SC 29204