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Wofford College

Spartanburg, SC

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

“Intaminatis fulget honoribus”(Untarnished, She Shines with Honor.)

1854
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,873
Total Students
1,800
Undergrad
$512M
Endowment
(2025)
$54K
Tuition (In-State)
$54K
Tuition (Out-State)
$29K
Avg Net Price
59%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Graduation Rate
6-year
90%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Nayef Samhat

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Wofford College

Wofford: Historic liberal arts excellence on a vibrant national arboretum campus since 1854.

Wofford College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution nestled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offers a truly unique educational journey. Established in 1854, it proudly stands as one of the rare four-year colleges in the southeastern United States that continues to operate on its original, historic campus predating the American Civil War. This commitment to its roots is beautifully complemented by its sprawling 175-acre campus, officially recognized as a national arboretum, providing a stunning and inspiring backdrop for learning and discovery.

The college's rich heritage begins with the visionary bequest of Benjamin Wofford, a Methodist minister who aimed to establish a place for "literary, classical, and scientific education" in his native Spartanburg. This founding ethos, reflected in the college's motto "Intaminatis fulget honoribus" (Untarnished, She Shines with Honor), continues to guide Wofford's dedication to academic rigor and integrity. The architectural legacy is equally impressive, with the Main Building, the oldest structure on campus, designed by the renowned Charleston architect Edward C. Jones.

Academically, Wofford College fosters an environment of intellectual excellence. Its commitment to a comprehensive liberal arts education was formally recognized in 1941 with the establishment of a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society—a significant achievement as it was the first at a private college in South Carolina. With approximately 1,800 undergraduates and a dedicated faculty of 140, students benefit from a close-knit community and personalized attention within this historic and vibrant academic setting, preparing them for diverse future endeavors.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1854, it's one of the few pre-Civil War institutions in the Southeast still operating on its original campus.
  • ✦Its 175-acre suburban campus is officially designated as a national arboretum.
  • ✦Boasts an endowment of $512.1 million (2025), supporting its mission and resources.
  • ✦Home to the Beta of South Carolina chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, established in 1941 as the first at a private college in the state.
  • ✦Dedicated to "literary, classical, and scientific education" since its founding by Benjamin Wofford.
  • ✦Its motto, "Intaminatis fulget honoribus," translates to "Untarnished, She Shines with Honor."
  • ✦Serves approximately 1,800 undergraduates with a dedicated academic staff of 140.

Timeline

1854
Wofford College founded with a bequest from Benjamin Wofford.
1941
Awarded a chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, the first at a private college in South Carolina.
🏛️
172 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Nayef Samhat
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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