
Voorhees University is a private, historically Black institution in Denmark, South Carolina. Elizabeth Evelyn Wright founded the school in 1897 to expand educational opportunities for Black students in the region. Its early emphasis on industrial and teacher education reflected the opportunities and restrictions of that era.
The institution later took the Voorhees name in recognition of benefactors Ralph and Elizabeth Voorhees. It became Voorhees College before adopting the name Voorhees University in 2022. Those changes mark its development from a school with a narrow original purpose into an institution offering undergraduate and graduate study.
Voorhees University offers a range of undergraduate programs rather than operating as a single-subject college. Fields represented in its academic offerings include business administration, biology, computer and information sciences, criminal justice, psychology, public health, and humanities and social sciences.
Prospective students should compare the specific major and credential they want, not just the subject area. A program's course sequence, internship expectations, delivery format, and availability can affect how readily a student can complete it, particularly after transferring credits or enrolling part time. The current academic catalog is the appropriate place to check those details and any graduate-program requirements.
Voorhees University's campus is in Denmark, a small community in Bamberg County, South Carolina. Students considering it should expect a small-town setting rather than the transit and employment options of a large metropolitan campus.
Transportation is a practical consideration for commuters and for students arranging internships, shopping, or trips home. First-year students may register or park a car on campus, although they should check current permit rules. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a regional air-travel option; students should plan for ground transportation between the airport and Denmark.
Voorhees University describes its educational purpose in terms of academic learning, leadership, service, and students' personal development. Its identity as a historically Black university and its affiliation with the Episcopal Church are important parts of that institutional context.
Those commitments describe the university's stated aims, not a guaranteed experience for every student. Applicants who value a faith-affiliated setting can ask how that affiliation appears in campus activities and student life, while comparing the curriculum and support available in their intended major.
Name of the institution
Voorhees UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Rural: RemoteInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1897Voorhees University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.