South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University is a public university in Orangeburg, SC ranked #1689 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 2,757 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 81.7%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 58.8% first-year retention, and 29.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,268, about $1,270 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.9%, roughly 144.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $30,064. That's about $13,624 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is South Carolina State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
South Carolina State University graduates 29.4% of students within six years and keeps 58.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use South Carolina State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,060 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $9,000 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $8,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $29,957 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 68.5% of South Carolina State University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,089 to $25,130 depending on family income. Use South Carolina State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,555/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,130/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $30,064
- 10-Year Median Earnings $30,064
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,900
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 28.7%
- Employment Rate 86.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for South Carolina State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
South Carolina State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how South Carolina State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes South Carolina State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While South Carolina State University graduates earn $30,064 median, the -58.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,757
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 58.8%
- Graduation Rate 29.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into South Carolina State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: South Carolina State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 81.7%, South Carolina State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 81.7% acceptance rate, South Carolina State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among South Carolina State University undergraduates. Biology, General, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Gener, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Biology, General 15.2%
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Gener 11.8%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.3%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.4%
See more majors
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.9%
- Social Work 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $75,522
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $46,654
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $45,814
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $45,463
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $43,968
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $40,526
- 7. Social Work $39,745
- 8. Marketing $39,611
- 9. Biology, General $38,985
- 10. Communication and Media Studies $38,249
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $95,203
- 2. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $63,874
- 3. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $56,801
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $45,315
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $75,522—97% more than Communication and Media Studies ($38,249). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $95,203 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for South Carolina State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 39 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree, 22 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)â–¼
- Biology, General
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Social Work
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Psychology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Marketing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Chemistry
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Special Education and Teaching
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Social Sciences, General
- Physics
- History
- Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Civil Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mathematics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Industrial Engineering
- Engineering-Related Technologies
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Special Education and Teaching
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Business/Commerce, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)â–¼
- Agricultural Business and Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,757
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 43.9%
- Female Students 56.1%
- Caucasian 1.4%
- Asian 0.2%
- Hispanic 0.1%
- Black 92.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 68.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects South Carolina State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of South Carolina State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does South Carolina State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South Carolina State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: South Carolina State University has a diverse student body, with 1.4% identifying as White. 68.5% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does South Carolina State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at South Carolina State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
South Carolina State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1689 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $18,268 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $30,064 median earnings. The 29.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 58.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: South Carolina State University's Strengths
Ranked #1689 with a C grade, South Carolina State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like South Carolina State University excel at providing affordable education ($18,268 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: South Carolina State University's 58.8% retention and 29.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($30,064 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, South Carolina State University and $18,268 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 29.4% six-year graduation rate sits 33.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 58.8% first-year retention is 18.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.9% return on investment is 144.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $30,064 run about 31% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,268 is roughly $1,631 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 58.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.6% employment rate within three years sits 18.4 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Orangeburg, SC, South Carolina State University operates as a public university and receives a C from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #1689 nationally Category results include Completion (C), Support (C), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (A-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
58.8% of learners come back after year one while 29.4% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -58.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,268 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $29,957.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,689 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,900 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 68.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $30,064 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 31% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 86.6% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -58.9%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the South Carolina State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Orangeburg, SC 29117-0001
- Website scsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$18.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.5%