Organizer Information
Spelman College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The institution offers undergraduate education across the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Its arts-related academic offerings include Art, Art History, Photography, Documentary Filmmaking, Theatre and Performance, and Music. Spelman awards undergraduate degrees and does not offer graduate degrees.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Spelman College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA); Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Photography, Documentary Filmmaking, Theatre, Music, Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics
- Relevant Programs: Art; Art History; Photography; Documentary Filmmaking; Theatre and Performance; Music; Curatorial Studies (minor); Film Studies and Visual Culture (minor)
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall 2027 applications are open
- Application Deadline: Early Decision and Early Action — 1 November 2026; Regular Decision — 1 February 2027
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: $50
- Tuition: $15,021 per semester for full-time students taking 12–20 credit hours
- Funding: Institutional scholarships and merit-based scholarships; international students are eligible for limited merit-based awards.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
Spelman offers undergraduate majors and minors in visual arts, film, photography, performance, and related academic disciplines. Relevant options include:
- Art and visual culture: Art, Art History, Photography
- Film and media: Documentary Filmmaking; Film Studies and Visual Culture (minor)
- Performance: Dance Performance and Choreography; Theatre and Performance; Music
- Curatorial studies: Curatorial Studies (minor)
These offerings are part of the college's undergraduate curriculum. Applicants should select a major or minor according to the published academic offerings. Program-specific portfolio requirements should be checked before applying; a portfolio requirement should not be assumed for every arts-related major.
General Eligibility
- Spelman admits first-year, transfer, international, and eligible nontraditional applicants to its undergraduate programs. The college's undergraduate admissions policy is designed for women, and international applicants are welcome.
- First-year applicants must demonstrate completion of secondary education or its equivalent before enrollment. Transfer applicants must have attended another college for at least one term as a degree-seeking student and be in good academic standing, with eligibility to return to their previous institution.
Educational Background
- First-year applicants: A high school diploma or equivalent is required before enrollment.
- Transfer applicants: Previous college attendance as a degree-seeking student is required. Spelman accepts a maximum of 60 transfer credit hours toward a degree.
- International applicants: Applicants educated outside the United States may apply. Official academic records and translations are required when documents are not in English.
Language Requirements
Spelman conducts its academic programs in English. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must submit an official TOEFL score of 4 or higher, as stated on the college's international admissions page. Applicants should verify the accepted TOEFL test format and scoring scale with Admissions before submitting results.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| First-year applicants | $50 |
| International applicants | $50 |
| First-year applicants with a valid fee waiver | Waived |
The application fee is non-refundable unless a valid waiver applies.
Tuition
| Study level/category | Tuition | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate, 12–20 credits | $15,021 | Per semester |
| Part-time undergraduate, fewer than 12 credits | $1,258 per credit | Per credit |
| Additional credits above 20 | $1,030 per additional credit | Per credit |
Additional charges include student fees of $1,783 per semester for students enrolled in six or more credit hours, student medical insurance fees of $756 for fall coverage and $1,002 for spring coverage, and applicable new-student fees. Housing and meal charges are additional for students living on campus.
Funding & Financial Support
Spelman offers institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. For international applicants, the college confirms that institutional financial aid is not available; the only college-provided aid available to international students is merit-based scholarships. A limited number are awarded to incoming first-year students based on academic achievement, leadership, community service, and other application information. Awards are competitive and not guaranteed.
University Services & Academic Support
- International Student Services: Guidance on student visas, immigration status, regulatory changes, and campus resources.
- Honors Program: Eligible students can pursue an enhanced academic program, including a senior thesis. First-year admission to the program is invitation-based for Early Action and Early Decision applicants.
- Study Abroad: The college provides study-abroad and international exchange opportunities.
- Library and academic resources: Students can access academic support through the college's academic and student services.
Access to specific opportunities depends on the program and student eligibility.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Common Application
- Personal essay
- Supplemental essay
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from a teacher at the applicant's current school
- Official high school transcript
- Official college transcript, if applicable
- $50 application fee or valid fee waiver
Official SAT or ACT scores are optional for first-year applicants under the published admissions requirements.
International applicants
International applicants must submit the Common Application, two teacher recommendations, official high school and/or college transcripts, official translations for documents not in English, the applicable TOEFL score where required, and the $50 application fee. SAT or ACT scores are optional under the published international admissions requirements.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Decision deadline: 1 November 2026
- Early Action deadline: 1 November 2026
- Regular Decision deadline: 1 February 2027
- Supporting documents for early applications: Within five business days after the applicable deadline
- Supporting documents for Regular Decision: Within five business days after the deadline
- First-year enrollment deposit deadline: 1 May 2027
Location
Spelman College — Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Additional Details
Spelman is an undergraduate institution and does not offer graduate degrees. Its admissions and financial requirements differ by applicant category, particularly for international students, who must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for enrollment and visa documentation. Applicants interested in art, photography, documentary filmmaking, or other creative fields should consult the relevant department before preparing additional materials, as general admissions requirements do not establish a universal portfolio requirement.