South Carolina State University
About South Carolina State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
South Carolina State University is a public historically Black university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The only public HBCU in the state, it offers programs in biology, business, criminal justice, and education, with a strong tradition dating back to 1896.
Founded
1896
Location
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Students
3,226
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
82.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
36.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,060
Out-of-state: $21,750
Avg Net Price
$18,097
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$38,262
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$25
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Rolling
South Carolina State University accepts the majority of applicants at 82.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
N/A
Not reported
ACT Scores
17/ 36
Average: 17 out of 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
36.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
56.5%
4-Year Grad
14%
6-Year Grad
30%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$8.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 14% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,060
In-State
$21,750
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$9,000
Books & Supplies
$2,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$30,015
After Financial Aid
$18,097
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$16,846
Receive Grants
70.5%
Take Loans
67.2%
The full cost of attendance is about $30,015/yr for in-state students, including $9,000 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,097. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,750.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at South Carolina State University fund their education.
While in School
70.5%
Get Grants
Free money
67.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$22,852
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$31,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$329/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Graduates leave with $31,000 in median debt, above the national average. Explore all scholarship and aid options, and consider your expected earnings in your chosen field.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends South Carolina State University.
Gender
54.6%
Female
45%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,934
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
292
Graduates
35.9%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
4.6%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (55% women, 45% men). 35.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
2,934
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
South Carolina State University fields 7 varsity teams with 476 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Mid-Eastern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
476
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
297
Men
179
Women
4
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of South Carolina State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$38,262
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
$30K
28 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$26K
22 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$26K
22 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$33K
20 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$30K
11 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
—
11 grads
Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Carolina State University
What is the acceptance rate at South Carolina State University?▾
How much does South Carolina State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at South Carolina State University?▾
How much do South Carolina State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.