Impressive National Rankings Validate Elevation and Transformation at Claflin University

Impressive National Rankings Validate Elevation and Transformation at Claflin University

Claflin University reaffirmed its upward trajectory as a premier liberal arts institution by earning impressive rankings in two influential and widely respected publications that conduct detailed and systematic studies of the higher education landscape.

Claflin maintained its position as the No. 1 Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in South Carolina in U.S. News and World Report's 2026 rankings. The prestigious publication ranked the University as the No. 1 National Liberal Arts College as a Top Performer in Social Mobility in South Carolina and No. 3 among HBCUs in the same category. Top Performers in Social Mobility is a category that considers how successful colleges are in advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students who have been awarded Pell Grants. More than 75 percent of Claflin's students receive Pell Grants; however, many of these students secure high-paying jobs and launch successful careers after earning their Claflin degree.

Claflin was ranked No. 7 among all private HBCUs and tied at No. 13 to retain its position as a U.S. News and World Report Best HBCU for the 15th consecutive year.

The U.S. News rankings system rests on two pillars: quantitative and qualitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, as well as U.S. News' view of what matters in education.

Washington Monthly Magazine ranked Claflin the No. 1 HBCU and No. 2 among liberal arts colleges/universities in South Carolina in its 2025 Ranking of Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities. Since 2005, Washington Monthly has ranked colleges based on their contributions to the country. The publication ranks schools based on their contribution to the public good in four broad categories: Access, Affordability, Outcomes, and Promoting Public Service.

"These rankings tell the story of how we are preparing our students for successful careers that will enable them to make a positive influence in their respective communities and beyond," stated Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, president of Claflin University.

"Claflin has provided access to its high-quality, career-focused academic programs for more than 150 years. We are preparing our students to be visionary leaders --critical thinkers -- decision makers who can facilitate positive change nationally and globally."

More than 75 percent of Claflin's students receive Pell Grants, and many are first-generation college students. However, Claflin University's commitment to student success is exemplified by its 78 percent retention rate, which significantly contributes to elevated graduation outcomes.

"Students enroll at Claflin to be elevated and transformed into globally engaged citizens and visionary scholars," Warmack said. "It's our responsibility to help them achieve their goal of earning a Claflin degree that will expand their potential for personal and professional growth."

Warmack was appointed Claflin's ninth president in August 2019. His arrival ushered in a holistic approach that fosters "Elevation and Transformation" for a diverse student-centered campus environment. Warmack recalibrated the University's liberal arts curriculum by integrating a comprehensive long-term commitment to innovation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

"Our academic partnerships with prestigious universities throughout the United States and abroad are providing essential research and pedagogical experiences for our faculty and students," Warmack said. "We are excited about the future of this historic University and how we are preparing students for leadership in the 21st-century workforce."

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