Savannah State University: $5,498 Tuition

$5,498Tuition

2,727Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,981Earnings

Public4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Savannah State University

This historically black university draws 2,727 students to Georgia's coastal city, where marine science programs take advantage of the nearby Atlantic Ocean and salt marshes. The campus sits in mid-size Savannah, giving students access to both academic research opportunities and the city's historic charm. Founded in 1890, Savannah State has built a reputation for environmental and marine sciences alongside its broader liberal arts mission.

Money matters tell a mixed story here. Students pay an average net price of $8,683 after aid, with low-income families paying just $7,238. That's affordable upfront, especially with 65% receiving Pell Grants. However, graduates earn a median of $37,981 ten years out, while carrying $28,000 in debt with monthly payments of $297. The 25% six-year graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment riskier than the low sticker price suggests.

The student body is 86% Black and 85% in-state, creating a tight-knit community where 70% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Women make up 63% of enrollment. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division II with 265 athletes across 11 sports, and campus housing accommodates 1,803 students in a residential environment that builds lasting connections.

Academics & Faculty

Savannah State University stands out among historically black colleges for its marine and environmental science programs, taking advantage of its coastal Georgia location. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at smaller liberal arts colleges, but students still get personal attention from professors. With a 25% six-year graduation rate, the university faces retention challenges common among HBCUs serving first-generation college students. The school offers solid programs in business, education, and the sciences. Students benefit from research opportunities in marine biology and environmental studies along the Georgia coast. The university's location in historic Savannah provides internship and job opportunities in tourism, logistics, and government.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 68.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.2%
Retention Rate: 70.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,981
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$50,606
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$47,729
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$41,565
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$41,025
Social Work.	Master	$40,697
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$38,289
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$37,208
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$35,060
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other.	Bachelor	$30,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$29,685

View all 39 programs →

Campus Life

With 2,727 students spread across Savannah's historic district, this campus offers the intimacy of a small college within walking distance of cobblestone squares and antebellum architecture. About 66% of students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 1,803 students total. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and maybe a light jacket for winter, but snow is virtually nonexistent.

Women make up 63% of the student body, creating a tight-knit community where the 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Weekend life revolves around Tiger athletics and the active Savannah social scene just beyond campus gates. Students often explore River Street's shops and restaurants or catch live music in the city's numerous venues. The university's location puts you two hours from Atlanta and four hours from Jacksonville, but most Tigers find plenty to do right in Savannah. Greek life and campus organizations provide additional social outlets, while the nearby Savannah River offers opportunities for marine science students to conduct hands-on research.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,803 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1890

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	7	7
Stalking	4	2
Rape	3	2
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1
Fondling	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 40°–61°F
July Avg: 73°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Savannah State draws primarily Georgia residents who value its affordable HBCU education and coastal location. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's education, nursing, and social work programs. The campus serves predominantly first-generation college students from working families. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, making this one of Georgia's most accessible four-year universities. The Tigers maintain their historically black identity while welcoming a small but growing number of Hispanic students. Strong local ties keep 85% of graduates working in Georgia after graduation.

Men: 36.6%
Women: 63.4%
White: 3.0%
Black: 85.8%
Hispanic: 4.9%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 85.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 64.9%

Location

Savannah State University sits in Savannah, Georgia, about 250 miles southeast of Atlanta. The campus occupies 201 acres in this historic coastal city of 150,000 residents. Savannah blends Southern charm with maritime culture, featuring cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture downtown. The university benefits from its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and coastal marshlands, supporting its well-known marine sciences programs. Students enjoy year-round mild weather and access to Tybee Island's beaches just 18 miles away. The city's thriving tourism industry and growing port operations provide internship opportunities for students. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Savannah State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Savannah, Georgia 31404-5310

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,981
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,474
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 19.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $297/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $28,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retention rate at Savannah State University?

Savannah State University has a 70.02% retention rate, meaning about 7 out of 10 freshmen return for their sophomore year. As one of Georgia's historically black universities, SSU focuses on supporting first-generation college students who often need additional academic and financial support.

How much does Savannah State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Savannah State University is $8,683 per year. With 64.85% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school serves primarily low-income students, and families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,238 annually.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Savannah State University?

Savannah State University has a 21:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,727 total students. The university is known for its strong marine and environmental sciences programs, taking advantage of its coastal Georgia location for hands-on research opportunities.

What do graduates of Savannah State University typically earn?

Graduates earn a median salary of $37,981 ten years after graduation, with typical monthly loan payments of $297. The employment rate reaches 93.3%, reflecting the university's focus on preparing students for careers in high-demand fields like marine sciences and education.

Where is Savannah State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in historic Savannah, Georgia, with housing capacity for 1,803 students. As an HBCU with 85.77% Black enrollment and 63.44% women, SSU creates a supportive community atmosphere where students can connect with their cultural heritage while pursuing their degrees.

Does Savannah State University have strong athletic programs?

Savannah State University competes in NCAA Division II with 11 varsity sports and 265 total athletes. The Tigers participate in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and award $754,590 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both academics and sports.