About South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University has built its reputation around engineering, business, and teacher education since 1896. The historically black public university enrolls 2,757 students in the town of Orangeburg. Notable graduates include Robert Smalls, the Civil War hero and politician, and Henrie Monteith, who became the first African American CPA in South Carolina. The university accepts 84% of applicants, making it accessible to students seeking strong professional programs at an HBCU.
Students pay an average net price of $18,268 after financial aid, with 68% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $38,262 ten years after graduation, but carry typical debt of $31,000. The monthly loan payment of $329 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. Low-income families pay around $17,089 net price, making the university affordable for first-generation college students.
The student body is 93% Black and heavily in-state at 85%. Students compete as Division I Bulldogs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference across 10 varsity sports. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate and 59% retention rate signal academic challenges. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though students must stay focused to reach the finish line.
Students pay an average net price of $18,268 after financial aid, with 68% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $38,262 ten years after graduation, but carry typical debt of $31,000. The monthly loan payment of $329 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. Low-income families pay around $17,089 net price, making the university affordable for first-generation college students.
The student body is 93% Black and heavily in-state at 85%. Students compete as Division I Bulldogs in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference across 10 varsity sports. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate and 59% retention rate signal academic challenges. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though students must stay focused to reach the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
South Carolina State University operates as a historically black public university with strong programs in engineering, business, and teacher education. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 29.4% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face significant challenges completing their degrees. The university's engineering program has produced notable graduates who've made impacts in industry and public service. Business and education programs prepare students for careers in South Carolina and beyond, with the school's HBCU heritage providing a supportive environment for African American students. The 58.75% retention rate indicates that while many students stay past their first year, academic and financial pressures affect degree completion.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 32.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 29.4%
- Retention Rate
- 58.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,262
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $52,107 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,189 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,464 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,420 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $32,569 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $32,213 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
South Carolina State sits in Orangeburg, about an hour from Columbia and Charleston, putting you close enough to major cities for weekend trips but far enough to create a tight campus community. With housing capacity for 1,460 students and total enrollment of 2,757, roughly half the student body lives on campus. The mild South Carolina climate means you'll need light jackets in winter but plenty of sunscreen for the long, humid summers.
The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I with 284 total athletes across 10 sports, creating spirited game-day atmospheres that bring the campus together. As a historically black university where 92.78% of students are Black, SC State maintains strong traditions around homecoming and Greek life that define the social calendar. With 85.39% of students from in-state, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty happening in the residence halls and student organizations. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the close-knit feel extends beyond academics into lifelong friendships and professional networks.
The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I with 284 total athletes across 10 sports, creating spirited game-day atmospheres that bring the campus together. As a historically black university where 92.78% of students are Black, SC State maintains strong traditions around homecoming and Greek life that define the social calendar. With 85.39% of students from in-state, many go home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty happening in the residence halls and student organizations. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the close-knit feel extends beyond academics into lifelong friendships and professional networks.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,460 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1896
Campus Safety (2023)
36 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–59°F
- July Avg
- 71°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
South Carolina State draws students who want an HBCU education close to home. With 85% from in-state, the university serves as South Carolina's primary historically black public institution. The student body is 93% Black, reflecting the school's mission to educate African American students in fields like engineering and education. Women outnumber men 56% to 44%, typical for education-focused universities. Nearly 69% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves first-generation college students and families seeking affordable pathways to careers in teaching, business, and STEM fields.
- Men
- 43.9%
- Women
- 56.2%
- White
- 1.4%
- Black
- 92.8%
- Hispanic
- 0.2%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 85.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 68.5%
Location
South Carolina State University sits in Orangeburg, South Carolina, about 40 miles southeast of Columbia. The campus serves a town of roughly 13,000 residents in the heart of South Carolina's rural Midlands region. Orangeburg blends small-town charm with college energy, though the university's 2,757 students represent a significant portion of the local population. The area features rolling hills, farmland, and historic downtown districts typical of the South Carolina interior. Students enjoy a close-knit community feel while remaining within driving distance of Charleston's coast and Columbia's urban amenities. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare South Carolina State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Orangeburg, South Carolina 29117-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,262
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,212
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 28.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at South Carolina State University?
South Carolina State University accepts 83.9% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. This HBCU founded in 1896 focuses on serving students who might not otherwise have college opportunities.
How much does South Carolina State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,268 annually, with 68.5% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,089 after aid, reflecting the university's commitment to affordability.
What academic programs is South Carolina State University known for?
The university excels in engineering, business, and teacher education with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. With 2,757 students, professors can provide personalized attention in these career-focused programs.
What are the graduation outcomes at South Carolina State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 29.4%, while graduates earn a median salary of $38,262 ten years after graduation. Despite retention challenges with a 58.75% first-year return rate, 93.2% of graduates find employment.
Where is South Carolina State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Orangeburg, a small town setting with housing for 1,460 students. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 284 student-athletes across 10 varsity sports.
Is South Carolina State University a historically black college?
Yes, South Carolina State is an HBCU with 92.78% Black enrollment and 85.39% in-state students. Notable alumni include Robert Smalls, a Civil War hero and politician, and Henrie Monteith, the first African American CPA in South Carolina.
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