
300 College Avenue, Orangeburg, SC 29117-0001, USA


South Carolina State University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a recognized regional accrediting body. This accreditation permits the university to award associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, demonstrating that it meets established standards of academic quality and institutional effectiveness. Such accreditation is essential for students seeking federal financial aid and for ensuring that their degrees will be recognized by employers and other institutions.
In addition to institutional accreditation, specific programs at South Carolina State University have earned specialized accreditations from professional organizations. These programmatic accreditations affirm that particular academic departments and curricula meet rigorous standards relevant to their fields, which is crucial for students pursuing careers requiring professional licensure or certification.
South Carolina State University requires applicants to have completed a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. A secondary school transcript and GPA are mandatory for admission consideration. While the university does not have an open admission policy, it recommends submission of admission test scores along with other competencies to strengthen the application. Specifically, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is mandatory for non-native English speakers.
The university does not require applicants to lease or own a computer as part of their admission process. Dual credit enrollment is not available, however, the institution does accept both college credit and Advanced Placement (AP) credits toward degree requirements.
Regarding standardized testing, the average SAT score for admitted students is 925, which ranks in the bottom 5 percent nationally. The SAT math and writing subsections have similarly low average scores. The mean ACT score is 17, also falling within the lowest 5 percent compared to national percentiles. Despite these scores, South Carolina State University maintains an acceptance rate of approximately 82 percent, reflecting a moderately selective admissions environment.
The application fee at South Carolina State University is set at $30 for prospective undergraduate students. This fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application to complete the process.
South Carolina State University offers fee waivers to eligible applicants under certain conditions. Students who demonstrate financial need or meet specific criteria may request a waiver to avoid paying the application fee. To obtain a fee waiver, candidates typically need to submit appropriate documentation substantiating their eligibility as part of their application.
These provisions are designed to reduce financial barriers for prospective students and encourage a diverse applicant pool. It is advisable for applicants to review the university's official admissions guidelines or contact the admissions office directly to verify the latest eligibility requirements and procedures for fee waiver requests.
South Carolina State University hosts a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit on its campus. This presence provides students with access to military training and leadership development as part of their undergraduate experience. The availability of an ROTC branch directly on campus allows prospective students interested in military careers to integrate academic studies with military instruction without needing to attend a separate institution.
South Carolina State University welcomes transfer students in several enrollment periods, including fall, spring, and summer terms. Prospective transfers can benefit from the university's acceptance of prior college credits, facilitating a smoother transition into their chosen programs. The institution also recognizes credit earned through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), both for subject-specific and general exams, enabling students to leverage standardized testing for credit acquisition.
South Carolina State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich the academic experience of its students through international exposure. These programs include short-term faculty-led trips, semester-long exchanges, and partnerships with institutions worldwide, allowing students to explore diverse cultures while earning academic credits applicable to their degree requirements. The university emphasizes programs that complement students' fields of study, particularly in disciplines such as business, education, and the sciences.
Additionally, South Carolina State University provides support services to assist students in navigating the logistics of studying abroad, from application processes to securing visas and accommodations. The university also encourages participation in service-learning abroad programs, which combine community engagement with educational objectives. These opportunities facilitate both professional development and cultural understanding, enhancing students' readiness for global careers.
Median composite SAT score
925Median composite ACT score
17Percent of students submitting ACT scores
8.16%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
1.25%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
RecommendedTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer