Morris College: $16,224 Tuition

$16,224Tuition

421Students

20%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,614Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUBaptist

About Morris College

Morris College serves as one of South Carolina's historically Black colleges, with 421 students studying on a small campus in Sumter. Founded in 1908 with Baptist roots, this HBCU focuses on providing education to first-generation college students and those from low-income families. The student body is 93% Black, and most students (84%) come from South Carolina. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal.

The financial picture presents challenges. Students pay an average net price of $20,375 after aid, with 82% receiving some form of financial assistance. Most graduates leave with $31,400 in debt but earn a median salary of only $30,614 ten years after graduation. This creates a difficult loan repayment situation, with just 13% of borrowers successfully paying down their loans and monthly payments averaging $333. The low earnings relative to debt load makes Morris one of the more financially risky college choices.

Graduation rates remain concerning, with only 20% of students completing their degree within six years and 22% finishing in four years. The 47% retention rate means many students leave after their first year. Morris competes in NAIA athletics with five sports programs and 72 total athletes, offering some scholarship support through $139,561 in athletic aid.

Academics & Faculty

Morris College offers a close-knit academic environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning professors know every student personally and can provide individual attention. As a historically Black Baptist college, Morris focuses on liberal arts education with strong programs in business administration, criminal justice, and education that prepare graduates for careers in their communities. However, only 20% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the challenges many face as first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds. The small class sizes mean students get plenty of support, but success requires commitment and using available resources like tutoring and academic counseling.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 22.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.4%
Retention Rate: 46.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,614
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Morris College sits in Sumter, South Carolina, about 45 miles east of Columbia and 100 miles northwest of Charleston. The campus houses 834 students in its residence halls, which means most of the school's 421 enrolled students live on campus since 83% come from in-state. This creates a tight-knit community where you'll know nearly everyone by name.

South Carolina's climate means you'll need lightweight clothes for most of the year, with temperatures staying warm through October and heating up again by March. You might need a light jacket for December and January, but heavy winter coats aren't necessary. The small campus size and 10:1 student-faculty ratio mean professors know you personally and notice when you miss class. As an HBCU founded in 1908, Morris College maintains strong traditions around homecoming and community service that connect students to both campus and the broader Sumter area. Weekends often center around the five varsity sports teams, campus events, or trips to Columbia for shopping and entertainment.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 834 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1908

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	5	4
Aggravated Assault	3	0
Arson	1	1
Dating Violence	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–54°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.9"
Annual Snowfall: -777.3"

Student Demographics

Morris College draws students who need affordable access to higher education, with 82% receiving Pell Grants and strong support for first-generation college students. The student body of 421 is almost entirely Black students (93%), reflecting the college's mission as a historically Black institution founded by the Baptist church in 1908. Most students come from South Carolina (84%), showing Morris College serves as a local pathway to college for families in the region who might not otherwise have four-year degree opportunities.

Men: 47.7%
Women: 52.3%
White: 1.2%
Black: 93.4%
Hispanic: 1.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 83.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 81.8%

Location

Morris College sits in Sumter, South Carolina, a small city about 45 miles east of Columbia, the state capital. Sumter has around 40,000 residents and serves as a regional center for the rural Pee Dee area of central South Carolina. The city has deep military connections through Shaw Air Force Base, which brings diversity and economic stability to the region. Students find themselves in classic small-town South Carolina, with hot summers, mild winters, and a pace of life that feels more relaxed than major metropolitan areas. The campus draws 83.58% of its students from within South Carolina. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Morris College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Sumter, South Carolina 29150-3599

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,614
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,654
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $19,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 13.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $333/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $31,400

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student experience like at Morris College?

Morris College serves 421 students in a close-knit environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. This historically Black Baptist institution has operated since 1908, fostering strong community bonds despite a 46.61% retention rate that reflects the challenges many students face.

How much does Morris College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $20,375 annually, with 81.77% receiving financial aid. The school charges $16,224 in tuition regardless of residency, making it accessible to both South Carolina residents and out-of-state students seeking an HBCU education.

What are the graduation outcomes at Morris College?

Morris College has a 20.40% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median of $30,614 ten years after enrollment. The school maintains strong employment connections, with 97.5% of graduates finding work, though many face financial challenges with median debt of $31,400.

Does Morris College offer athletic programs?

The Hornets compete in NAIA athletics with 5 varsity sports and 72 total athletes. The college awards $139,561 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small but spirited program.

Where do Morris College students come from?

The student body is 93.35% Black and 83.58% from South Carolina, reflecting Morris College's mission as a regional HBCU. Women make up 52.26% of enrollment, creating a balanced gender environment in this historically significant institution.

Is campus housing available at Morris College?

Morris College provides housing capacity for 834 students, nearly double its current enrollment of 421. Room and board costs $7,380 annually, and the intimate campus setting in Sumter allows most students who want on-campus housing to secure it.