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Colleges / SC / Orangeburg
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South Carolina State University

Public Orangeburg, SC · Town · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
33%
Graduation Rate
$38,262
Earnings (10yr)
$18,097
Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 83%, South Carolina State University is a welcoming option for students seeking a supportive environment. It’s particularly well-suited for those interested in practical fields like Business and Marketing, Education, Biology and Biomedical studies, Health Professions, and Criminal Justice. The focus here is on building a community that values education and personal growth, making it an appealing choice for many.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $38,262 within ten years, which reflects the real-world value of their degrees. While the graduation rate sits at 33%, many graduates find pathways to success, especially in their chosen fields. The affordability of the education is another plus, with around 70% of students receiving Pell Grants, which helps lessen the financial burden.

When it comes to the cost of attendance, the average net price after aid is about $18,097, and the median debt load for graduates is $31,000. This makes it essential for students to consider their financial plans carefully. Those who thrive here often embrace the hands-on learning opportunities and community-oriented atmosphere, which can lead to fulfilling careers and a strong support network after graduation.

Rankings

How South Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation33%Earnings 10yr$38KNet Price$18KRetention56%Median Debt$31KPell Grant Rate70%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$17K$0-30K$17K$30-48K$20K$48-75K$25K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%936.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1796.0%MOBILITY168.27%

Cost & Financial Aid

$11,060
In-State Tuition
$21,750
Out-of-State
$18,097
Avg Net Price
$31,000
Median Debt
70%
Pell Grant Rate
67%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$16,846
Family Income $0–$30K
$16,968
Family Income $30K–$48K
$20,449
Family Income $48K–$75K
$24,523
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$30,064
6 Years After Entry
$34,470
8 Years
$38,262
10 Years
0.81x
Debt-to-Earnings
40%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$30,064 6yr $34,470 8yr $38,262 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

168.27%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1796.0%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
936.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$85,400
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.89
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.06
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
2.5%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.188%
Inventor Rate
42
Total Patents
148
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 83%
Retention Rate 56%
ACT Midpoint 17
Full-Time Faculty 100%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,174
Diversity Index 0.18
First-Gen Students 36%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 13%
Education 9%
Biology & Biomedical 9%
Health Professions 7%
Criminal Justice 7%
Psychology 6%
Computer Science & IT 6%
Engineering 4%