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Christian college

Allen University

Columbia, SC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · African Methodist Episcopal Church · Methodist and Wesleyan

Allen University is a historically Black university in Columbia, South Carolina, founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Every bachelor's student takes Introduction to Biblical Literature (REL 104), which covers the Old and New Testaments, and the university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “The Department of Religion offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, including a Pastoral Ministry concentration, preparing students for the pastorate, Christian service, or graduate and seminary study.”

    Source: allenuniversity.edu

  • “Religious Student Organizations and choirs involve themselves with civic work, services and social functions and emphasize religious concepts, ideas and beliefs held by each group.”

    Source: static1.squarespace.com

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

The Cultural Academic Religious Series brings speakers, activities and presentations to students, faculty and staff.

Source: static1.squarespace.com
Where do I find community?

Religious student organizations and choirs take part in civic work, services and social functions.

Source: static1.squarespace.com

Academic Excellence

C+Academic Excellence: C+ (grade C+): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
26 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.13%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.45%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$4,373

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Partly researched

We have checked some of this college’s faith and campus life facts against its own official pages. There is not yet enough verified to grade them, so the findings below are what we could confirm. Anything not listed has not been confirmed yet.

  • Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each year: One or two (The 2026-2028 catalog describes the Cultural Academic Religious Series, a programming series that includes spiritual development.)
  • Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizations: A few (One religious student organization (Voices of Praise) is listed in the 2025-26 handbook.)
  • Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students: 1 course (REL 104 is the only Bible or theology course in the general education core. Religion majors take more courses in their major only.)
  • Required courses include study of the Old and New Testaments: Required of all students (REL 104 covers the books of Genesis through Malachi and the Gospels and Pauline Epistles; both testaments are required of all bachelor's students.)
  • Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required: None required
  • Bible, theology or ministry major offered: Yes
N/AWorship and chapel: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Worship and chapel

Not enough information · 0 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel services during the weekNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A chapel or worship space on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.
CBible and theology: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

57 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students1 course (REL 104 is the only Bible or theology course in the general education core. Religion majors take more courses in their major only.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Allen University Catalog 2026-2028static1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/6a96f82cb17783448c20def8/1788278828505/Catalog%2B2026-2028%2BV2+%281%29.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The General Education Core is required of all students and is designed to introduce students to the broad areas of knowledge essential to a successful life and career.”
      The general education core is required of all students.
      “REL 104 INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL LITERATURE* Credit 3 hrs.”
      REL 104 Introduction to Biblical Literature is a three-credit course that meets the General Education Requirement.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (REL 104 covers the books of Genesis through Malachi and the Gospels and Pauline Epistles; both testaments are required of all bachelor's students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Allen University Catalog 2026-2028, Undergraduate Program Course Descriptionsstatic1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/6a96f82cb17783448c20def8/1788278828505/Catalog%2B2026-2028%2BV2+%281%29.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “This course is to give students an overview of the Bible. This general overview includes the books of Genesis through Malachi, the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the Pauline Epistles.”
      REL 104 covers the Old Testament and the New Testament.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required
    Sources (1)
    1. Allen University Catalog 2026-2028static1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/6a96f82cb17783448c20def8/1788278828505/Catalog%2B2026-2028%2BV2+%281%29.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “REL 104 Introduction to Biblical Literature 3 BUS 103 Computer Literacy 3 ART 103 Art Appreciation (OR) 3 MUS 103 Music Appreciation 3”
      REL 104 Introduction to Biblical Literature is a three-credit course in the freshman general education sequence, and the core lists no worldview course.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion | Allen Universityallenuniversity.edu/academics-religion · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Department of Religion offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, including a Pastoral Ministry concentration, preparing students for the pastorate, Christian service, or graduate and seminary study.”
      The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry concentration.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 2 of 7 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (The 2026-2028 catalog describes the Cultural Academic Religious Series, a programming series that includes spiritual development.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Allen University Catalog 2026-2028, Student Lifestatic1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/6a96f82cb17783448c20def8/1788278828505/Catalog%2B2026-2028%2BV2+%281%29.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Cultural Academic Religious Series allows students, faculty, and staff to assemble to experience programming highlighting speakers, activities, and presentations from within and beyond the University community.”
      The university runs a Cultural Academic Religious Series of programs; its frequency is not stated.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few (One religious student organization (Voices of Praise) is listed in the 2025-26 handbook.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Handbook 2025-2026, Student Organizationsstatic1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/69a216f37701cb5122373ec0/1772230391267/Student+Handbook+2025-2026.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Religious Student Organizations and choirs involve themselves with civic work, services and social functions and emphasize religious concepts, ideas and beliefs held by each group.”
      The handbook describes a religious category of recognized student organizations.
      “Religious Voices of Praise (V.O.P.)”
      The handbook lists one active religious student organization, Voices of Praise (V.O.P.), in its 2025-26 list of active campus organizations.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AMissions and service: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Missions and service

Not enough information · 0 of 6 found

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service or outreach officeNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Strengths

  • Every bachelor's student takes Introduction to Biblical Literature, which covers the Old and New Testaments.
    Sources (1)
    1. Allen University Catalog 2026-2028static1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/6a96f82cb17783448c20def8/1788278828505/Catalog%2B2026-2028%2BV2+%281%29.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The General Education Core is required of all students and is designed to introduce students to the broad areas of knowledge essential to a successful life and career.”
      The general education core is required of all students.
      “This course is to give students an overview of the Bible. This general overview includes the books of Genesis through Malachi, the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the Pauline Epistles.”
      REL 104 covers the Old Testament and the New Testament.
  • The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry concentration.
    Sources (1)
    1. Religion | Allen Universityallenuniversity.edu/academics-religion · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Department of Religion offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, including a Pastoral Ministry concentration, preparing students for the pastorate, Christian service, or graduate and seminary study.”
      The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Ministry concentration.
  • The university describes itself as a faith-based institution rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Allen Universityallenuniversity.edu/about-us-1 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “As a faith-based institution rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen makes an impact far beyond its size”
      The university describes itself as a faith-based institution rooted in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Concerns

  • The general education core has one Bible course and no required Christian worldview or faith-and-learning course.
    Sources (1)
    1. Allen University Catalog 2026-2028static1.squarespace.com/static/5f0e2cce65d789563f789332/t/6a96f82cb17783448c20def8/1788278828505/Catalog%2B2026-2028%2BV2+%281%29.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “REL 104 Introduction to Biblical Literature 3 BUS 103 Computer Literacy 3 ART 103 Art Appreciation (OR) 3 MUS 103 Music Appreciation 3”
      REL 104 Introduction to Biblical Literature is a three-credit course in the freshman general education sequence, and the core lists no worldview course.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$10,553
$30,001–$48,000$9,375
$48,001–$75,000$12,610
$75,001–$110,000$12,976
Over $110,000$13,298

Full cost of attendance before aid: $23,998 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
635
Total students677
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$10,972
Cost of attendance (per year)$23,998
Median federal debt at graduation$34,290
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
13%
First-year retention45%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$30,497
Admission rate73%
Students receiving Pell grants77%

Value index: 30 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Business administration$45,474
Social sciences$38,198
Liberal arts$35,787
Biology$29,249

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Chemistry, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, English, Kinesiology and exercise science, Mathematics, Music, Religious studies, Teacher education.

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates3%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older7%
On-campus room and board (per year)$8,584
SportsNCAA Division II · Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
ROTCArmy · Navy · Air Force
Students per faculty member12 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Questions families ask

Is Allen University a Christian college?
Yes. Allen University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is African Methodist Episcopal Church.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 217624
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (arts & sciences)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): African Methodist Episcopal
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

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