Freedom to Choose Your Future.
Claflin is one of the first nine HBCUs to offer the Student Freedom Initiative — a student-centric program founded by Robert F. Smith to expand opportunity and lift the burden of student debt for the next generation of STEM leaders.
A Perpetual Engine of Support.
It was the vision of Robert F. Smith — Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners — to expand student opportunity beyond his transformative liberation gift to the Morehouse College Class of 2019. The problem he set out to solve: nearly 60% of African American wealth is consumed by servicing student loan debt.
In 2021, Claflin became one of nine HBCUs to begin offering Student Freedom Initiative programming. Built on a 'Pay It Forward' model, the nonprofit increases the social and economic mobility of students at Minority Serving Institutions through a holistic, evidence-based approach.
Claflin's growing technology infrastructure and world-class STEM faculty make it an ideal partner. As President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack put it, the program helps remove the financial concerns of pursuing a high-quality education.
What's included
Four Ways the Program Supports You.
Some components are open to every Claflin student, regardless of major; the income-contingent funding alternative is reserved for eligible STEM juniors and seniors.
Income-Contingent Funding
The Student Freedom Agreement is an income-contingent funding alternative for rising juniors and seniors — up to $40,000 total, capped at $20,000 per academic year, with payments aligned to your income.
Tutoring & Mentoring
Available to all Claflin students in every major — academic tutoring and one-on-one mentoring to keep you on track toward graduation and beyond.
Internships
Open to rising sophomores and above, connecting students with hands-on experience and industry partners across the program's network.
Capacity Building
Targeted support that strengthens Claflin's technology infrastructure and STEM capacity — modernizing the institution alongside its students.
Eligibility for the Student Freedom Agreement.
Tutoring, mentoring, internships, and capacity building are open to all Claflin students. The Student Freedom Agreement — the income-contingent funding alternative — is currently available to students who meet each of the following:
- 01Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- 02A school-approved FAFSA (or acceptable state alternative)
- 03Enrolled full-time at a participating four-year institution (final-year exception applies)
- 04Rising junior or senior by credit hours
- 05Majoring in an approved STEM degree program
- 06Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by Claflin
Approved majors
Eligible STEM Pathways.
Claflin administration has approved the following majors for students seeking a Student Freedom Agreement.
Computing & Engineering
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology — approved STEM pathways for the Student Freedom Agreement.
Biological & Physical Sciences
Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry students pursuing rising junior or senior standing may apply.
Mathematics
Mathematics and the Applied Mathematics track qualify, including the Clemson-eligible Applied Math option during the junior year at Claflin.
Equity and Protection First.
All participating students at every institution are offered the same terms, with payment plans aligned to their income and protection from excessive fees and penalties. Robert F. Smith personally provided $50 million to match a $50 million grant from the Fund II Foundation to launch the program.
Important: Claflin University does not endorse Student Freedom Initiative's income-contingent alternative to Parent PLUS and other private education loans, and is not affiliated with Student Freedom Initiative. Eligible students may currently receive up to $40,000 total, capped at $20,000 per academic year.
Visit the Student Freedom Initiative website for the latest eligibility details and program updates.
Answer the call
Pursue Excellence — Unburdened.
Explore whether the Student Freedom Initiative is right for your STEM journey, and talk with the Office of Student Financial Aid about your options.