Spelman College
Historically Black Private Women’s College – Atlanta, Georgia
School Overview
Howard University is a private, federally chartered Historically Black University located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1867, Howard is recognized as one of the nation's most prestigious HBCUs and a leading producer of Black professionals in medicine, law, STEM, business, and the arts.
With a mission centered on truth and service, Howard offers over 140 academic programs and continues to shape leaders who drive social change on a global scale.
Fast Facts
| Founded | 1881 |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta |
| Institution Type | Private HBCU (Women’s College) |
| Mascot | Jaguars |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) |
| Athletics | NCAA Division III |
| Conference | Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) |
Data reflects publicly available information and may vary by source or academic year.
Institutional Heritage
History & Legacy of Spelman College
Spelman College was founded in 1881 to provide educational opportunities for formerly enslaved African American women. Over time, the institution evolved into a nationally respected liberal arts college with a mission centered on leadership, scholarship, and service. Spelman has played a significant role in shaping generations of Black women leaders across education, public service, business, and the arts.
Academic Excellence
Academic Programs & Areas of Study
Spelman offers undergraduate degrees grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Academic areas of study include:
- Biological and physical sciences
- Social sciences and public policy
- Humanities and fine arts
- Mathematics, computer science, and data-related fields
- Interdisciplinary and pre-professional programs
Admissions & Application Requirements
Spelman College maintains clearly defined admissions standards for prospective undergraduate students.
Standard Admissions Criteria
- GPA: Considered as part of a holistic review
- Test Policy: Test-optional (policy subject to change by admission cycle)
- Application: Common Application
- Required Materials: High school transcript, personal essay, recommendations, and supplemental materials as required
Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarship Opportunities
~$29,025 per year
Annual Tuition
~ $18,924 per year
Room & Board
~$59,073 per year
Total Cost of Attendance
WFF Support for Howard University Students
The Williams-Franklin Foundation supports Howard University students through academic scholarships, mentorship opportunities, career-development support, and financial literacy resources.
Scholarships
Mentorship
Career Support
Financial Literacy
Notable Alumni
Spelman College alumni have made notable contributions across public service, literature, education, business, and civil rights.
Stacey Abrams
Author and political leader
Served as Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and is a nationally recognized voting rights advocate.
Alice Walker
Author and poet
Pulitzer Prize–winning writer best known for The Color Purple.
Bernice A. King
Minister and advocate
CEO of The King Center and daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Marian Wright Edelman
Children’s rights advocate
Founder and former president of the Children’s Defense Fund.
Rosalind Brewer
Business executive
Former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance and former COO of Starbucks.
Keshia Knight Pulliam
Actor and producer
Known for her work in television and film and as a public advocate.
Campus Life, Community & Student Experience
Student Life
Campus Life & Student Experience
Spelman provides a residential campus environment designed to support academic success and personal development. Students have access to advising, wellness services, leadership development programs, and culturally grounded support resources. Campus life emphasizes community engagement and scholarly growth.
Community & Belonging
Student Organizations & Campus Traditions
Spelman offers a wide range of student engagement opportunities, including:
- Academic and professional organizations
- Cultural and service-focused groups
- Greek-letter organizations
- Campus traditions connected to sister institutions within the Atlanta University Center Consortium
Location Advantage
Living & Learning in Atlanta, Georgia
Spelman College is located in Atlanta, a major metropolitan center with strong ties to business, government, and nonprofit organizations. The city offers access to internships, research opportunities, and cultural institutions. Students benefit from proximity to other HBCUs and shared academic and professional resources within the Atlanta University Center.
WFF Scholars at Spelman College
Meet some of the amazing students we've supported at Spelman College
Kandace Bryant
2025-2026
WFF Scholar
The Vallee Foundation, Inc.
Kandace Bryant, expected class of 2028, is from Flossmoor, Illinois. She is studying Health Science with a minor in Music at Spelman College...
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Sierra Sands
2024-2025
Sierra Sands, expected class of May 2025, is from Columbia, South Carolina. She studies International Studies (Business) and Computer Scienc...
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Kelsey Schaffer
2024-2025
Kelsey Schaffer, expected class of May 2027, is from Long Beach, California. She is studying Health Science at Spelman College. In the summe...
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Alexandria Alsobrooks-Laney
2024-2025
Alexandria Alsobrooks-Laney, expected class of May 2027, is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is studying History with a minor in curatoria...
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Miranda Merritt
2018-2019
Miranda Merritt, expected class of 2021, is from Alexandria, Virginia and will graduate from Spelman College, the number one ranked Historic...
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Lacey Foster
2018-2019
Lacey Foster, expected class of 2020, is a Biology major at Spelman College, a global leader in the education of women of African descent. L...
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Nya Morgan
2021-2022
Returning Awardee Nya Morgan, expected class of 2024, is from Bowie, Maryland. Nya is an International Studies student at Spelman College. I...
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Courtney Miller
2023-2024
Courtney Miller, expected class of 2024, is from Bolingbrook, Illinois. Courtney is studying Psychology at Spelman College. In the summer of...
View ProfileReady to Apply?
Students attending Howard University are eligible to apply for WFF scholarships annually.
Questions? Contact us for more information.