About SC State

Are you ready to do and dare? To overcome challenges and get the skill and confidence to succeed? To pursue your dreams and achieve more than you thought possible?

If so, then South Carolina State University is the place for you.

Be Part of a Legacy of Excellence

As South Carolina's only public, historically black college and university (HBCU), we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional educational experience to all of our students. Since our establishment in 1896, we have helped to educate generations of scholars and leaders. Our graduates lead the way in such diverse fields as business, military service, government, athletics, medicine, engineering, the arts, and more. Our alumni have taken all they learned at SC State and used it to better their lives, their communities and their country.

We are more than just our history, though. Today, we serve diverse students from our state, across the U.S. and around the world, with more than 30,000 active alumni and more than 2,900 current students.

Mission Statement

Strategic Plan

SC State's 101 Points of Pride

Learn and Grow in Exceptional Academic Programs and Facilities

Here at SC State, you will have the opportunity to explore your interests and determine what you want to achieve. As you pursue your undergraduate or graduate degree, you will develop a foundation of knowledge and skills that will empower you to succeed in your chosen field. Our dedicated professors will be there to guide you and help you make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

We offer a wide range of degree programs, including several that are unique to SC State. These include:

• The only Bachelor of Science program in nuclear engineering in South Carolina and at an HBCU.
• South Carolina's only Master of Science degree in transportation and only Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in agribusiness.
• The only Doctor of Education degree in the state with a concentration in educational administration. (Additionally, SC State is ranked third in the nation in graduating minority students with a doctor of education degree.)
• A Bachelor of Science degree in physics with an option or concentration in Medical Physics.
• Our new Bachelor of Science degree in the rapidly growing field of Cybersecurity.

In addition, students here learn in our exceptional facilities, including 107 buildings spread across 160 acres at our main campus in Orangeburg. That number includes the cutting-edge Engineering and Computer Science Complex, the Leroy Davis Sr. Science and Research Center Complex and the James E. Clyburn Center for research and training in the transportation industry. We are also the only HBCU in the country with an interdisciplinary art museum and planetarium, the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium, and we are home to the only undergraduate environmental science field station in the nation.

Thrive in Our Vibrant Family Culture

Of course, there's more to SC State than our academics. You'll discover a welcoming culture here and our tight-knit campus will allow you to forge life-long friendships. Annual events like our Homecoming celebration—which feels like a huge family reunion, concert, and tailgating event all at once—bring us together and keep the energy level on campus high. Numerous student organizations and a robust Greek fraternity and sorority culture provide plenty of social and service opportunities.

Looking for more? Our athletic program (#BulldogPride) offers six men's sports and six women's sports a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and participates in NCAA Division I. In fact, our SC State Bulldogs football team won or shared five MEAC titles, while the men's and women's tennis teams have won a combined 20 championships in the last 12 seasons. Meanwhile, our acclaimed marching band, the Marching 101, has performed in The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Rose Bowl Parade, and in an NFL halftime show.

Most importantly, at SC State we promote a true family-like atmosphere on campus. You'll feel an instant kinship with your fellow Bulldogs who, over time, will begin to feel like another family.

Speaking of family, it's a big deal for us. That's why in addition to our traditional financial aid, we are proud to offer our Legacy Discount, which entitles the children of SC State alumni to receive in-state tuition, no matter where they live.

Dare to Find Your Path at SC State

Wherever you intend to go in life, SC State can help you get there. Don't hesitate - apply for admission today and discover your future and an unforgettable college experience.

Apply Now!