Claflin University, founded in 1869, is becoming recognized as one of the leading institutions of higher education in the southeast. With an enrollment of approximately 1800 students from every region of the United States and 14 countries, Claflin University is a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate degrees in 34 areas and three graduate programs, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Science in Biotechnology, and the Master of Educational Studies. U.S. News & World Report, in its 2007 Guidebook to America’s Best Colleges and Universities, ranked Claflin in the Top Tier for the ninth consecutive year (1999-2007). Again, for three consecutive years (2005-2007), Claflin ranked highest (number eleven) among South Carolina Comprehensive Colleges and Universities. Also, the national evaluator ranked the University in the Top Five Best Value category and cited Claflin for its impressive graduation and retention rates.