Voorhees University: $12,630 Tuition

$12,630Tuition

460Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,339Earnings

#22 in South CarolinaPrivate nonprofit4-yearNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUProtestant Episcopal

About Voorhees University

Voorhees University cultivates leaders through liberal arts education rooted in service to community. This historically black college enrolls 460 students on a rural South Carolina campus where personal attention drives academic success. The Episcopal-affiliated institution maintains deep ties to social justice traditions while preparing students for careers in education, business, and public service. Students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures close mentorship and individualized support.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $15,411 after aid, with nearly 78% receiving financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $35,339 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads reach $26,700. The monthly loan payment of $283 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings, making financial planning essential for success.

The student body is predominantly African American, with over 80% of students identifying as Black. Athletic programs compete in NAIA with 72 student-athletes across six sports. The 37.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but the 91.7% employment rate shows that graduates who complete their degrees find work. Campus housing accommodates most of the student body, fostering the tight-knit community that defines the Voorhees experience.

Academics & Faculty

Voorhees University offers liberal arts education with intensive faculty mentorship through its 10:1 student-faculty ratio. This historically black college emphasizes community service alongside academic learning, shaping students who go on to serve their communities. The 37% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, as 77% receive Pell Grants indicating significant financial need. Faculty work closely with students in small classes typical of HBCUs, providing personalized attention that larger universities cannot match. The college maintains its Episcopal heritage while focusing on developing leaders for underserved communities. Students benefit from the intimate campus environment where professors know them by name and track their academic progress personally.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 52.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 37.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.8%
Retention Rate: 62.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,339
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Voorhees sits in Denmark, a small town about 50 miles south of Columbia. With enrollment at just 460 students, you'll know most faces by your second semester. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors will notice if you skip class. Housing capacity reaches 538, so most students live on campus in a tight-knit residential community.

South Carolina's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for the long, humid summers. The campus embraces its HBCU heritage with strong traditions around homecoming and community service. With only 72 varsity athletes across 6 sports, the Tigers compete at the NAIA level where school spirit runs high despite the small crowds. Weekend activities center around campus events and trips to nearby Orangeburg or Columbia for shopping and entertainment. The rural setting means outdoor activities like fishing and hiking are popular. Students often gather in residence halls or the student center, creating the family atmosphere that defines small college life. The 51% in-state student body keeps strong South Carolina roots.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 538 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1897

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–57°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

Voorhees draws students from across South Carolina and beyond who value the close-knit community of a small HBCU. With 460 students, the campus maintains an intimate atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The student body is predominantly African American, reflecting the university's mission as a historically black institution. Most students come from families with limited financial resources, making Voorhees an accessible pathway to higher education. The nearly even gender split creates a balanced campus environment. Students here typically seek personal attention and strong community connections rather than big-school anonymity.

Men: 51.5%
Women: 48.5%
White: 3.9%
Black: 80.9%
Hispanic: 3.5%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 51.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 77.5%

Location

Denmark sits in rural South Carolina, about 50 miles south of Columbia and roughly 90 miles from Charleston. The town has fewer than 3,500 residents and represents classic small-town Southern life. Voorhees draws students from across the region to this quiet farming community where cotton fields and peach orchards dominate the landscape. The campus provides most entertainment and cultural activities since Denmark offers limited dining and shopping options. With 51.79% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with South Carolina's rural character. The nearest substantial city amenities require at least an hour's drive. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Voorhees University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Denmark, South Carolina 29042

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,339
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,074
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 17.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $283/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,700

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Voorhees University?

Voorhees maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 460 students enrolled. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention at one of South Carolina's historically black colleges, where students build close relationships with professors who know them by name.

How much does Voorhees University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $15,411 annually, with 77% of students receiving financial aid. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,081 after aid, making this Episcopal-affiliated HBCU accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

What is the graduation rate at Voorhees University?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 38% with a retention rate of 62%. This small liberal arts college focuses on supporting first-generation college students and those who need extra academic support to complete their degrees.

Where is Voorhees University located?

The campus sits in Denmark, South Carolina, a rural town that provides a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere. With housing capacity for 538 students, most of the 460 enrolled live on campus and experience the tight bonds typical of small HBCUs.

What do graduates of Voorhees University typically earn?

Alumni earn a median of $35,339 ten years after graduation with 92% finding employment. While earnings start modestly at $22,037 one year out, graduates often pursue careers in education, social work, and community service that align with the university's mission of developing servant leaders.

Does Voorhees University offer athletic scholarships?

The Tigers compete in NAIA athletics with $271,639 available in athletic scholarships across six varsity sports. With only 72 total athletes, student-athletes at this small HBCU often compete in multiple sports and receive individualized coaching attention.