Spelman College

Empowering Black women to lead and transform the world.

📍 Atlanta, United States 🇺🇸

🏆 #37 in United States

Quick Facts about Spelman College

  • Type: Private Non-Profit
  • Students: 2,420
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $46,000 – $49,000/year
  • Language: English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  • Intakes: August, January

About Spelman College

Spelman College, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a historically Black liberal arts college for women dedicated to academic excellence and the development of leaders. Founded in 1881, it empowers students through a holistic education to engage with global cultures and inspire positive social change. Spelman is a member of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, providing a rich academic and social environment.

Academics

Spelman offers bachelor's degrees across more than 30 academic majors, emphasizing a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Notable programs include Psychology, Biology/Biological Sciences, Political Science and Government, and English Language and Literature. The college fosters critical thinking and interdisciplinary studies, encouraging students to explore connections across different fields. With an impressive 11:1 student to faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized attention and interaction with experienced faculty.

International Students

Spelman College welcomes women from diverse backgrounds, with international students hailing from countries such as the Bahamas, Ghana, South Africa, Japan, Trinidad, Tobago, Australia, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, South Korea, and Vietnam. The International Student Services office provides support for visa and immigration matters, and assists with cultural integration. While there are dedicated services, international students are primarily eligible for merit-based scholarships, as Spelman College does not offer need-based financial aid to international applicants. The Gordon-Zeto Center for Global Education promotes intercultural understanding and offers study abroad opportunities to over 40 countries.

Campus & Location

Spelman's 39-acre campus is a historic landmark situated just five minutes from downtown Atlanta. Atlanta offers a vibrant city life with numerous attractions, including museums, historical sites, restaurants, and shopping. The campus itself features residential halls, academic buildings like the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center, and the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. Transportation options include a bike share station on campus and proximity to MARTA stations, connecting students to the wider city.

Career Outcomes

Spelman College demonstrates strong career outcomes, with 91% of graduates employed one year after graduation. The Office of Career Planning and Development offers extensive resources, including career assessments, workshops, and opportunities for industry connections through programs like "InfluenceHER Career Collective." Spelman Pathways also prepares students for post-graduate success, whether entering the workforce or pursuing further education. Graduates have found employment with notable organizations such as Atlanta Public Schools, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Accenture, and AT&T.

Information for International Students at Spelman College

Spelman College in Atlanta, United States welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$1506/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Spelman College

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Spelman College:

  • TOEFL minimum: 80
  • Duolingo minimum: 130
  • GPA minimum: 3.5
  • Application fee: $40
  • Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
  • Application deadline: February 1

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Programs at Spelman College (23 programs)

Spelman College offers 23 programs across Bachelor levels.

Bachelor Programs (23)

  • Sociology and Anthropology (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program explores human societies, cultures, and social structures through sociological and anthropological perspectives. Career outcomes include social research, community development, public service, and education.
    Field: Sociology, Anthropology
    Career outcomes: Social research, community development, public service, education
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Biochemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program combines biology and chemistry to explore the chemical processes within living organisms. Career outcomes include research, medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and forensic science.
    Field: Biochemistry
    Career outcomes: Research, medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, forensic science
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Art (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program provides a comprehensive study of art history, theory, and practice, fostering creative expression and critical analysis. Careers in art, art history, museum studies, graphic design, and arts administration.
    Field: Visual Arts
    Career outcomes: art, art history, museum studies, graphic design, arts administration
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program provides a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and policy analysis. Career outcomes include finance, business, government, research, and further graduate studies in economics or law.
    Field: Economics
    Career outcomes: Finance, business, government, research, further graduate studies in economics or law
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • History (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program cultivates historical knowledge, research skills, and critical analysis of past events and their impact. Career outcomes include education, law, archival work, museum studies, and public history.
    Field: History
    Career outcomes: Education, law, archival work, museum studies, public history
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Music (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program offers a comprehensive study of music theory, history, performance, and composition. Career outcomes include music performance, education, composition, music therapy, and arts administration.
    Field: Music
    Career outcomes: Music performance, education, composition, music therapy, arts administration
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Drama (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program offers training in acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theater, fostering theatrical artistry and critical thinking. Career outcomes include acting, directing, stage management, arts education, and theater administration.
    Field: Performing Arts
    Career outcomes: Acting, directing, stage management, arts education, theater administration
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Comparative Women's Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    An interdisciplinary program examining gender, race, class, and sexuality from a global perspective. Career outcomes include advocacy, social justice, public policy, education, and non-profit work.
    Field: Women's and Gender Studies
    Career outcomes: Advocacy, social justice, public policy, education, non-profit work
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • English (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program focuses on literary analysis, critical theory, and effective written and oral communication. Career outcomes include education, journalism, publishing, law, marketing, and communications.
    Field: English Language and Literature
    Career outcomes: Education, journalism, publishing, law, marketing, communications
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program develops critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ethical inquiry through the study of philosophical traditions. Career outcomes include law, education, journalism, public policy, and ethics.
    Field: Philosophy
    Career outcomes: Law, education, journalism, public policy, ethics
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program explores human behavior and mental processes through scientific inquiry and diverse theoretical perspectives. Career outcomes include counseling, social work, human resources, research, and further graduate studies in psychology or related fields.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Counseling, social work, human resources, research, further graduate studies in psychology or related fields
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • World Languages and Cultures (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program offers immersion in various languages and cultures, fostering global understanding and communication skills. Career outcomes include international business, diplomacy, education, translation, and tourism.
    Field: World Languages, Cultural Studies
    Career outcomes: International business, diplomacy, education, translation, tourism
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Environmental and Health Sciences (BA) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    An interdisciplinary program exploring the complex relationships between environmental factors and human health. Career outcomes include environmental policy, public health, research, and sustainability.
    Field: Environmental Science, Public Health
    Career outcomes: Environmental policy, public health, research, sustainability
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • International Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    An interdisciplinary program focusing on global issues, cultures, and international relations. Career outcomes include diplomacy, international development, non-profit organizations, and global business.
    Field: International Relations, Global Studies
    Career outcomes: Diplomacy, international development, non-profit organizations, global business
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program examines political systems, institutions, behavior, and public policy, fostering civic engagement and critical analysis. Career outcomes include law, government, public administration, journalism, and advocacy.
    Field: Political Science
    Career outcomes: Law, government, public administration, journalism, advocacy
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Religious Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · Scholarship available
    This program examines religious traditions, beliefs, and practices across cultures and historical periods. Career outcomes include education, ministry, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
    Field: Religious Studies
    Career outcomes: Education, ministry, social justice, interfaith dialogue
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program focuses on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Career outcomes include research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental science, and chemical engineering.
    Field: Chemistry
    Career outcomes: Research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental science, chemical engineering
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Health Sciences (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program prepares students for careers in various health professions and for further graduate studies in health-related fields. Career outcomes include public health, allied health professions, healthcare administration, and preparation for medical or other health professional schools.
    Field: Health Sciences
    Career outcomes: Public health, allied health professions, healthcare administration, preparation for medical or other health professional schools
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program provides a strong foundation in mathematical theory, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning. Career outcomes include actuarial science, data analysis, education, finance, and further graduate studies in mathematics or related fields.
    Field: Mathematics
    Career outcomes: Actuarial science, data analysis, education, finance, further graduate studies in mathematics or related fields
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions, and evolution. Career outcomes include medicine, research, environmental science, education, and biotechnology.
    Field: Biology
    Career outcomes: Medicine, research, environmental science, education, biotechnology
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Dual Degree Engineering Program (BS) — 60 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science from Spelman and an engineering degree from a partner institution (e.g., Georgia Tech, Auburn, Rochester, Dartmouth, or North Carolina A&T). Career outcomes include various engineering fields depending on specialization (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical engineering).
    Field: Engineering (various specializations)
    Career outcomes: Various engineering fields depending on specialization (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical engineering)
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1 (for Spelman). Deadlines for partner institutions vary.
  • Physics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program explores the fundamental principles of the universe, from subatomic particles to cosmology. Career outcomes include research, engineering, technology, education, and further graduate studies in physics or related fields.
    Field: Physics
    Career outcomes: Research, engineering, technology, education, further graduate studies in physics or related fields
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.
  • Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
    This program covers theoretical foundations of information and computation and their practical implementation in computer systems. Career outcomes include software development, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and IT consulting.
    Field: Computer Science
    Career outcomes: Software development, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, IT consulting
    Deadline: Early Action: November 1; Regular Decision: February 1.

Scholarships & Tuition at Spelman College

Annual tuition for international students: $46,000 – $49,000/year

✅ Spelman College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Spelman College

  • National Ranking: #37 in United States
  • Ranking tier: Research University

Campus & Facilities at Spelman College

  • Student housing available
  • No sports facilities
  • No disability support info
  • Campus type: Urban
  • Housing cost: ~$1506/month

Key Highlights

  • Historically Black women's college
  • Atlanta University Center member
  • Strong liberal arts programs
  • Global education opportunities
  • Vibrant Atlanta campus

Accreditation

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
  • National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)

Notable Alumni

  • Alice Walker
  • Stacey Abrams
  • Keshia Knight Pulliam
  • Marian Wright Edelman
  • Phylicia Rashad

Frequently Asked Questions about Spelman College

What is Spelman College?

Spelman College is a private non-profit university located in Atlanta, United States. It has approximately 2,420 students.

How much does it cost to study at Spelman College?

Tuition fees at Spelman College for international students range from $46,000 – $49,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $1506/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Spelman College?

TOEFL minimum: 80. Duolingo minimum: 130. GPA minimum: 3.5. Application fee: $40. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: February 1.

What language are courses taught in at Spelman College?

Courses at Spelman College are taught in English.

How many programs does Spelman College offer?

Spelman College offers 23 programs: 23 Bachelor's, 0 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Spelman College ranked?

#37 in United States.

Does Spelman College offer scholarships?

Yes, Spelman College offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Spelman College provide visa support?

Yes, Spelman College provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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