Public Institution

South Carolina State University — Orangeburg, South Carolina

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Annual Tuition $11,060

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 81.7%

Open Admission

Enrollment 2,757

Active Students

Avg. Salary $38,262

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Orangeburg, South Carolina

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"South Carolina State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Orangeburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 2,757 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does South Carolina State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at South Carolina State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

15.5%

Enrollment Share

Family & Consumer Science

12.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

9.5%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement

8.6%

Enrollment Share

Education

7.8%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

5.2%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Family & Consumer Science College

The Family & Consumer Science program at South Carolina State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at South Carolina State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at South Carolina State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at South Carolina State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 81.7%

Difficulty Low

South Carolina State University maintains an acceptance rate of 81.7%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 43.9%

Women Enrollment 56.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does South Carolina State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $11,060

Out-of-State Tuition $21,750

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 68.5%

Median Student Debt $31,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $11,060, graduates see a median starting salary of $38,262, making it one of the most affordable pathways in South Carolina.

What salary can South Carolina State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $38,262

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 29.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,268

Median Salary (6yr) $30,064

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg?

2,757 Students

Gender Comparison

43.9% Men

56.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

58.8%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

0.2%

Black

92.8%

White

1.4%

Unknown

2.6%

Hispanic

0.2%

Two or More Races

2.6%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 35.9%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 87.1%

💍

Married Students 1%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 10.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$48,129
Average Family Income	$29,641
Median Family Income	$22,852

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.9%

51.1%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Orangeburg Campus Environment

Located at 300 College St NE, South Carolina State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of South Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does South Carolina State University compare?

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Common Questions about South Carolina State University

Is South Carolina State University a good college in Orangeburg, South Carolina?

South Carolina State University is a recognized institution in Orangeburg with an enrollment of 2,757 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in South Carolina based on Department of Education data.

Is South Carolina State University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, South Carolina State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $38,262. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does South Carolina State University cost for South Carolina residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at South Carolina State University is approximately $11,060. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $21,750. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of South Carolina State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending South Carolina State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 87.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is South Carolina State University good for Business & Marketing and Family & Consumer Science programs?

South Carolina State University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Family & Consumer Science programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending South Carolina State University?

Graduates of South Carolina State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $38,262, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for South Carolina State University?

South Carolina State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does South Carolina State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, South Carolina State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can South Carolina State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of South Carolina State University earn a median salary of $38,262 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is South Carolina State University a good investment compared to other SC colleges?

South Carolina State University stands out as a high-value investment in South Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is South Carolina State University located and what is the campus like?

South Carolina State University is located at 300 College St NE in Orangeburg, SC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 2,757 learners.

Who typically attends South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC?

The student body at South Carolina State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.9% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: South Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare South Carolina State University with other leading institutions in South Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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