The Allen University campus lawn and historic buildings
Private HBCU · Columbia, SC · Since 1870

Your future has a home on Harden Street. For first-generation students, transfer students, adult learners, and future leaders.

We teach the mind to think, the hands to work, and the heart to love.

  • 1870FoundedOver 150 years of opening doors.
  • 15Average class sizeProfessors who know your name.
  • 75%Faculty with terminal degreesExperts in the classroom.
  • 1 rateIn-state or out-of-stateSame tuition for South Carolina and out-of-state students.
  • 12NCAA Division II sports7 women’s, 5 men’s.
11 Reasons to

Choose Allen

  • 01

    A real city, not a bubble.

    Columbia, the state capital, internships, and downtown life, minutes away.

  • 02

    What we say is what you pay.

    Tuition, fees, room, and board, all listed up front. No hidden fees.

  • 03

    Laptop + e-textbooks, included.

    Built into your cost from day one, never an upsell.

  • 04

    Professors who’ve done the work.

    75% of our faculty hold terminal degrees in their fields.

  • 05

    Zero tolerance means it.

    No violence, no drugs, no weapons. Parents, rest easy.

  • 06

    Bring your people.

    Allen is built for you, and your friends. Everyone is welcome here.

  • 07

    Find your sound.

    Symphonic band, concert choir, marching band, jazz ensemble.

  • 08

    Build your circle.

    Greek life, student government, and clubs for whatever moves you.

  • 09

    Compete at the next level.

    NCAA Division II: 7 women’s sports, 5 men’s.

  • 10

    Someone notices you.

    A small, safe campus where people know your name.

  • 11

    Covered when things get hard.

    Telemedicine with emotional support, plus a prescription benefit, for every student.

  • 12

    The reason is you.

    Come see it for yourself, with a visit built around you.

    Plan my visit →
What We Say Is What You Pay · 2026–2027

One clear price. No surprises.

Full-time undergraduate rates. Your laptop and e-textbooks are built into your cost from day one.

Tuition is the same for South Carolina and out-of-state students.

  • Living on campus$26,314/ yearTuition, fees, room, and board
  • Commuting$16,672/ yearTuition and fees
  • Online$500/ credit hourPlus $1,091 Resource & Technology Fee per semester
See the full breakdown for living on campus
Undergraduate cost of attendance, living on campus, 2026–2027
CostSemesterYear
Tuition$6,710$13,420
Resource & Technology Fee$1,091$2,182
Health Fee$321$642
Activity Fee$214$428
Room (standard double)$1,622$3,244
Board (19 meals per week)$3,199$6,398
Total$13,157$26,314
Find Your Major

What do you want to do with your life?

Tap an interest to see the majors that match.

Allen University students at the 2026 pinning ceremony
  • Business AdministrationAccounting · Banking & Finance · Entrepreneurship · Organizational Management
  • Sports Management
  • BiologyPre-health · Environmental Science
  • MathematicsComputer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Social ScienceHuman Services · Pre-law · African-American Studies · Psychology
  • Elementary Education
  • EnglishLiterature · Professional Writing
  • MusicVoice · Piano · Instrumental · Music Business
  • General Studies
  • ReligionPastoral Ministry · Philosophy & Religious Studies
Explore all academics →

Still deciding? That’s okay. Admissions can help you find your fit.

In Their Words

Don’t take our word for it.

  • “Everyone I have interacted with has been friendly, helpful, and genuinely interested in seeing students succeed.”

    DavaeCurrent student · Niche review, 2026

  • “With smaller class sizes, students can build strong relationships with professors who genuinely care about their success.”

    AdriannaProspective student · Niche review, 2025

  • “Everyone knows almost everyone. We have awesome staff members and the professors try to stay involved with you.”

    MyaStudent · Niche review, 2020

  • “Life long friendships were made! Loved my AU Yellow Jackets!”

    Christy LatoyaAlumna

Talk to a real person.

Admissions is here Monday–Friday: (803) 376-5735 · admissions@allenuniversity.edu

Plan a visit →

Quotes are excerpts from public reviews on Niche.com and an alumna’s public post, shared with credit.

Our Legacy

They started on Harden Street, too.

Meet our trailblazers →
  • Rev. Joseph A. DeLaine ’31Organized Briggs v. Elliott, one of the cases in Brown v. Board.
  • Dr. Margaret A. Dixon ’45First African American president of AARP.
  • Sam DavisFour-time Super Bowl champion.
  • Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney ’95Statesman, pastor, and voice for civility.
Life on the Yard

This is Allen.

Greek life, student government, music, faith, and Yellow Jacket game days. There’s a place for you here.

More on @allenuniversity_sc →
Aerial view of Allen University’s historic campus
Harden Street
An Allen student working in a science lab
Learning
An Allen student musician performing
Music
Allen dancers performing on campus
Spirit
Yellow Jackets taking the field with Allen flags
Game day
Boeing Institute on Civility

Where hard conversations happen with respect.

Forums, fireside chats, and book talks that bring leaders, students, and the community together.

Explore the Institute →
For future students

Become a Yellow Jacket.

Your story starts with one application.

Apply now →
For alumni & friends

Help one become a Yellow Jacket.

Give $18.70 a month, in honor of 1870, and open the door for the next student.

Give to Allen →