Spelman College Sees Strong Growth in Early Action Applications for Fall 2026

Spelman College continues to see strong and sustained interest from prospective students, with Early Action applications for Fall 2026 increasing significantly over last year. The growth reflects sustained national interest in Spelman and deepening awareness of the College's mission-driven education among prospective students. 

For Fall 2026, Spelman received 6,249 Early Action applications, alongside 482 Early Decision applications, marking a 17.7 percent increase in early applications year over year. Through the Early Action round, the College extended 1,706 offers of admission. 

Early Action decisions were released through Spelman’s SpelCheck portal, with students receiving a surprise notification email on December 19 ahead of the published decision release date of December 31. 

“Students know what they're looking for, and they're finding it at Spelman," said Spelman Director of Admissions Chelsea Holley. "They want an institution that's clear about its mission and serious about Black women's education. What we're seeing in this applicant pool is confirmation that Spelman delivers on that—academically rigorous, deeply supportive, and committed to preparing women to lead." 

A National and Global Applicant Pool 
Spelman’s Early Action applicants and admitted students represent a broad geographic footprint. Applicants hailed from all 50 U.S. states, 36 countries, and 68 Georgia counties, while admitted students represented 39 states, 12 countries, and 45 Georgia counties. 

Among admitted students, 22 percent are Georgia residents, 77 percent are out-of-state, and 1 percent are international students. The applicant pool reflected similar patterns, with 15 percent in-state, 84 percent out-of-state, and 1 percent international. 

The Early Action cohort also reflects Spelman’s ongoing commitment to access and opportunity. Of admitted students, 19 percent (332 students) identify as first-generation college students, and 28 percent (482 students) are Pell-eligible. Within the broader applicant pool, 33 percent identified as first-generation, and 40 percent as Pell-eligible

Profile of Admitted Students 

The Early Action cohort of admitted students reflects Spelman's commitment to enrolling academically prepared women positioned to thrive in a rigorous environment. Admitted students reported an average weighted GPA between 4.00 and 4.28. Among students who submitted test scores, the middle-50 percent SAT range was 1240–1400, with 29 percent of Early Action applicants choosing to submit scores. Admitted students completed an average of 17 AP, IB, dual enrollment, advanced, or honors courses. 

Intended majors remained consistent with recent cycles, led by Biology, Health Science, Political Science, Psychology, and Economics. 

Recruitment Grounded in Access and Connection 
Spelman’s recruitment efforts supporting the Early Action cycle included weekly campus tours, virtual information sessions, national and regional travel, high school visits, and college fairs. The College also partnered with peer institutions through collaborative recruitment initiatives, including joint travel with the Seven Sisters Colleges, SpelHouse preview sessions with Morehouse College in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York, and engagement with the STARS College Network. 

Through the STARS partnership, Spelman has expanded outreach to students from rural and small-town communities. The increased number of Georgia counties represented among applicants reflects the impact of these efforts and the College's commitment to broadening access across the state and beyond. 

As admitted students move toward enrollment decisions in the coming months, Spelman looks forward to welcoming a strong and engaged incoming class for Fall 2026.